If we and you disagree on the amount of the loss, either may make a written demand for an appraisal of the covered loss. Each party will select a competent, non-biased and impartial appraiser and notify the other side of the appraiser selected within 20 days of the demand.
Most property insurance policies contain a provision which stipulates that either the insurance company or the insured has the right to demand an “Appraisal” if that party disagrees as to the amount of the insured loss. The purpose of the Insurance Claim Appraisal process is to offer both parties to the insurance contract a less expensive and more expedient alternative to going to court to reach a settlement.

Appraisal has many similarities to binding arbitration, but the two processes are not identical. The Appraisal Panel is made up of three participants. Therefore, the insurance company and the insured both select competent, non-biased and impartial Insurance Claim Appraiser to represent them in the process. Before the two appraisers begin the investigative process, the appraisers will agree to a neutral, competent, non-biased and impartial Umpire. If the umpire is ultimately needed, the umpire will make a final ruling on the differences in the amount of the loss between the two appraisers.