The Property Loss
Appraisal Process
When your insurance company disputes the value of your claim, you don\u2019t have to go to court. The appraisal process is a binding, policy-required form of alternative dispute resolution \u2014 faster and far less expensive than litigation, with most cases resolved within six months.
Appraisal at a Glance
Why Choose Appraisal Over Litigation?
Most appraisal cases resolve within 6 months. Litigation can take years — and costs far more.
Appraisal is billed at a flat hourly rate. When inspection is unnecessary, costs stay lower. Appraisers are legally prohibited from charging based on outcome.
Most insurance policies require appraisal before filing suit. Invoking it correctly — and early — protects your rights.
Our principal and most appraisers are Certified Property Loss Appraisers through the Property Loss Appraisal Network (PLAN).
How Property Loss Appraisal Works
From initial document submission through binding resolution \u2014 here is exactly what to expect at every stage.
Consultation
Submit all relevant documents to your appraiser at [email protected] — photographs, insurance and contractor estimates, any denial letters, and a brief description of events. Your appraiser reviews the documentation and provides an unbiased opinion on whether the claim is suited for the appraisal process.
Demand for Appraisal
When there is a dispute between the policyholder and the insurance company regarding the value of a claim or the extent of damage, either party may demand an appraisal in writing. The appraisal invocation letter is accompanied by a repair estimate that serves as the basis for the disputed amount of loss.
Selection of Appraisers
Each party selects an appraiser to represent their interests. These appraisers must be impartial and have expertise in the relevant field, such as property damage assessment. The insurance company typically has 20 days to select their appraiser after the insured demands appraisal.
Umpire Selection
If the two appraisers cannot agree on a resolution, they invoke an impartial umpire selected at the onset of the appraisal. If they cannot agree on an umpire, either party can request that a court appoint one. The insured will typically need to retain a property loss attorney if a court-appointed umpire is required.
Inspection and Evaluation
Appraisers may inspect the property to assess damage independently or together — but an inspection is not always required. When the dispute centers on valuation rather than scope, the process can often proceed entirely on documentation. This can significantly reduce costs and accelerate resolution.
Determination of Value
The appraisers discuss their findings over the following weeks and attempt to reach an agreement on the value of the claim or the extent of damage. If they agree, their decision is typically binding on both parties.
Umpire’s Role
If the appraisers cannot reach an agreement, they submit their differences to the neutral umpire. The umpire’s decision is binding when the two appraisers cannot agree on the value of the property damage or loss. Umpire fees are a shared responsibility — split equally between the insurance company and the insured.
Resolution
Once a decision is reached by either the appraisers or the umpire, the insurance company is obligated to pay the determined amount and the policyholder receives their settlement. The appraisal process is designed to provide a fair, impartial resolution — and the outcome is binding on both parties.
An Inspection Isn\u2019t Always Necessary
One of the most significant \u2014 and least understood \u2014 advantages of the appraisal process is that a physical property inspection is not always required. When the core dispute is about how much the damage is worth rather than whether it occurred, appraisers can often reach a binding resolution entirely through documentation.
This document-driven approach eliminates the need to schedule access, coordinate with multiple parties, and pay for on-site time. The result: a faster process, lower hourly costs, and less disruption to your daily life.
During your initial consultation, we evaluate your documentation and advise you honestly on whether an inspection is likely to be needed. If it isn\u2019t, we tell you \u2014 because keeping your costs down is part of representing your interests fairly.
- Dispute is about valuation, not scope of damage
- Damage is well-documented with photos and contractor estimates
- Prior adjuster inspection already documented the loss
- Claim involves interior damage with clear documentation
- Scope of damage is disputed between parties
- Damage is complex or involves multiple systems
- Documentation is incomplete or contradictory
- Appraisers need to independently verify conditions
Rates for Appraisal Services
Appraisers are legally prohibited from charging based on the outcome of a claim. This ensures the process remains unbiased and that your appraiser\u2019s opinion is never influenced by the settlement amount.
Billed hourly regardless of outcome. Fees are due whether the appraisal resolves in your favor or not — this is a legal requirement to preserve impartiality.
Only applies if the two appraisers cannot reach agreement. The cost is split equally between you and the insurance company.
Submit your documents and receive an honest, unbiased opinion on whether your claim is suited for the appraisal process — at no cost to you.
Appraisers cannot legally charge based on the outcome of the claim. Coin Claims Services also offers public adjusting services on a contingency basis. As appraisers, we do not guarantee payment from your insurance company. Should your insurance company fail to release funds as agreed in the appraisal award, legal representation may be necessary.
Appraisal Process FAQ
Do the appraisers always need to inspect my property?
No — and this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the process. When the dispute is primarily about valuation (how much the damage is worth) rather than the scope of damage itself, appraisers can often resolve the matter entirely through documentation review. This means no scheduling delays, no access coordination, and lower overall costs for you. We evaluate each case individually and will advise you upfront whether a physical inspection is likely to be necessary.
How is appraisal different from mediation or arbitration?
All three are forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), but appraisal is specific to insurance disputes and is typically required by your policy before you can file a lawsuit. Unlike mediation, the appraisal outcome is binding. Unlike arbitration, it focuses specifically on the dollar value of a loss — not legal liability.
What does the appraisal process cost?
Appraisal services are billed at $200/hour. All fees are due regardless of outcome — appraisers are legally prohibited from charging based on the settlement amount, which ensures the process remains unbiased. If an umpire is required, there is an additional shared cost of approximately $250–$300/hour, split equally between you and the insurance company. We confirm all rates before you commit.
Can my contractor or public adjuster attend the inspection?
No. The appraisal process must remain strictly impartial. No third parties — including contractors, public adjusters, or attorneys — may be present during any inspection. Any outside influence could be considered ex-parte communication and result in the appraisal award being vacated.
What happens if the insurance company doesn’t pay after the appraisal award?
If your insurance company fails to release funds as agreed in the appraisal award, legal representation may be necessary. We will advise you on next steps and can refer you to qualified property loss attorneys in your state.
Is appraisal available for all types of property claims?
Appraisal is available for most property damage disputes — including fire, wind, hail, water, and commercial property claims — as long as your policy contains an appraisal clause. We review your policy during the initial consultation to confirm eligibility.
Certified Property Loss Appraisers
Our principal and most of our appraisers hold certification through the Property Loss Appraisal Network (PLAN) \u2014 the leading credentialing body for property loss appraisers in the United States.
Submit Your Appraisal Request
Fill out the form below and we will review your situation and contact you within one business day. No obligation — the initial consultation is free.
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