The majority of insurance policies have an “Appraisal Clause”. It is located it in your policy under the “Conditions” or “What to do after a loss” section. If you are unable to locate the clause, call us to assist you. An Appraisal Clause will usually read something like this:

“If you and we fail to agree on the amount of loss, either one can demand that the amount of the loss be set by appraisal. If either makes a written demand for appraisal, each shall select a competent, independent appraiser. Each shall notify the other of the appraiser’s identity within 20 days of receipt of the written demand. The two appraisers shall then select a competent, impartial umpire. If the two appraisers are unable to agree upon an umpire within 15 days, you or we can ask a judge of a court of record in the state where the residence premises is located to select an umpire. The appraisers shall then set the amount of the loss. If the appraisers fail to agree within a reasonable time, they shall submit their differences to the umpire. Written agreement signed by any two of these three shall set the amount of the loss.”

Agreement
Arriving at an agreement with the insurance company will save you some time, if they are willing to be fair, and you are satisfied with the results of your own negotiating skills. If this doesn’t happen, and you feel the agreement doesn’t meet your expectations, contact us to set up a consultation for a free policy review to find out if appraisal is an option. Don’t be afraid to invoke appraisal; it is your right. Your hired appraiser will explain the appraisal process to you, and keep you informed of any and all changes.

Cost of Appraisal
Policyholders are responsible for paying their hired Appraiser. The Insurance Company is responsible for paying the Appraiser that they have chosen. Gulf Coast Public Adjusting, Inc. appraisal service fee is a flat fee. This will include negotiation time (in person, over the phone, and by email), travel time, and time spent at the property and time spent on paperwork.
It is the policyholder’s responsibility to pay their appraiser. Additionally one half of the umpire fee if negotiation between appraiser’s cannot be reached and an umpire is required to make final determination between the two. Payment is due upon receipt of our contract.

You don’t have to accept the insurance company’s offer for how much your damages are worth.
If you feel that you need more money to get back to pre-loss condition, it’s best to use a public adjuster or to invoke your right to appraisal. Begin by finding your policy, and giving us a call. We have professional and experienced public adjusters and appraisers on staff ready to take on your claim! Contact us by email with any questions you have and they will be answered within the next 24 business hours!