It's a short section in most property policies that most owners never read until there's a disagreement. Here's what it says, how the process works, and what it can and can't decide.
The policy and appraisal information on this page is general education. SkyView Restoration Group is not a contractor, public adjuster or law firm. We don't adjust claims, negotiate with insurance companies, invoke appraisal, or serve as anyone's appraiser. We share this so property owners understand their own policy.
Most homeowner and commercial property policies have a section titled Appraisal, usually in the conditions part of the policy. It's built for one specific situation: the insurance company has accepted that there's a loss, but you and they disagree on the amount.
Instead of arguing back and forth for months, or filing a lawsuit, the clause sets up a simpler process. Two appraisers, one chosen by each side, try to agree on a number. If they can't, a neutral umpire breaks the tie.
Think of it as a structured way to settle a pricing dispute, not a coverage dispute. That difference matters a lot, and it's covered below.
This is how a typical clause based on standard homeowner policy wording reads. Your policy's exact timelines may be different, so check yours.
The insurer agrees there's a covered loss, but you and they disagree on what it will cost to repair or replace.
Either you or the insurance company can demand appraisal, usually in writing. Many policies require it to be in writing to count.
Each side chooses its own competent, impartial appraiser, commonly within 20 days of the written request.
The two appraisers choose a neutral umpire, commonly within 15 days. If they can't agree, a judge can be asked to name one.
The appraisers each value the damage. Where they agree, that's the number. Where they don't, they send the differences to the umpire.
A written award signed by any two of the three (both appraisers, or one appraiser and the umpire) sets the amount of loss.
Appraisal is narrow by design. Knowing where its edges are helps you understand when it fits and when it doesn't.
| Question | Usually decided by appraisal? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| How much is the loss? | Yes | This is the main job of appraisal: putting a dollar figure on the damage. |
| Is the damage covered? | Usually no | Coverage questions, such as whether a cause of loss is excluded, are generally for the insurer and the courts. States differ on where the line falls. |
| Was the claim denied? | Usually no | If the insurer denied the claim outright, there may be no "amount" disagreement to appraise. Some states allow appraisal of causation; many don't. |
| Deductible & limits | Still apply | The award sets the loss amount. Your deductible, policy limits, and other terms still apply after that. |
| Who pays? | Shared | Typically each side pays its own appraiser, and the umpire's cost and other appraisal expenses are split equally. |
| Is it final? | Often binding | The amount is generally binding on both sides, with limited grounds to challenge it. Rules vary by state. |
Some newer policies and endorsements change or remove appraisal, and some states add their own rules or mediation programs. Your declarations page, endorsements, and your state's Department of Insurance are the best places to confirm what applies to you.
You pay your appraiser and your share of the umpire. On smaller gaps, that can eat up much of the difference you're fighting over.
Appraisal is often quicker and less formal than a lawsuit. It can still take weeks or months, depending on schedules and how far apart the numbers are.
Appraisers and umpires look at proof: photos, measurements, a detailed repair scope, and pricing. The better the roof is documented, the clearer the picture.
Appraisal settles how much, not whether.
If your disagreement is about whether the damage is covered at all, appraisal may not be the right tool. If it's about the price of a repair everyone agrees is needed, it often is.
Appraisers are expected to be impartial, and some policies say "disinterested." Courts in some states have questioned appraisers with a financial stake in the outcome, such as the contractor doing the work. For help choosing an appraiser or deciding whether to invoke appraisal, you may hire any licensed public adjuster or attorney, or none.
SkyView is a team of roofing experts with 25+ years of hands-on experience in storm damage and insurance restoration, working alongside engineers, consultants, attorneys, public adjusters, and roofing experts nationwide.
We take the time to inspect your entire roofing system, document what we find, and build a detailed, line-by-line repair scope. That documentation is yours to share with anyone who asks, including your insurer, your adjuster, or anyone involved in an appraisal.
No. Appraisal is a process written into the policy for settling the amount of a loss. It's usually less formal than court, with appraisers and an umpire instead of a judge and jury. It generally doesn't decide coverage or other legal questions.
Under most clauses, either side can: you or the insurance company. Most policies require the demand to be in writing. Check your policy for the exact steps and deadlines.
Typically each side pays its own appraiser, and the umpire's fee and other appraisal costs are split equally. Your policy spells out the exact cost split.
Often not. Appraisal is usually for disagreements about the amount of a covered loss, not whether the loss is covered. Some states allow appraisers to look at what caused the damage; many don't. An attorney or your state's Department of Insurance can explain how it works in your state. You may hire any licensed public adjuster or attorney, or none.
Policies usually require appraisers to be impartial, and some say "disinterested." A contractor who stands to do the work has a financial stake, and some courts have found that a problem. SkyView does not serve as an appraiser on projects we're bidding or building.
No. SkyView is not a public adjuster or law firm. We inspect, document and write the repair scope, and meet the adjuster on the construction scope. All construction is performed by licensed Approved Contractors. You may hire any licensed public adjuster or attorney, or none.
Source and disclaimer. The information on this page about insurance policies and the appraisal process is shared for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, insurance, or claims advice, and it doesn't describe any specific policy.
SkyView is not a contractor, public adjuster or law firm. We don't adjust, negotiate, or settle insurance claims, act on your behalf with your insurer, or invoke appraisal. Policies, endorsements, and state laws differ and change over time. Read your own policy, and for questions about coverage or your rights, contact your insurance company, an attorney, or your state's Department of Insurance. You may hire any licensed public adjuster or attorney, or none.
