• What happens if you and the insurance company simply cannot agree on your damages?
• Maybe you have reached an impasse with them, and do not know where to turn. Are you frustrated by the amount of time that has passed since you filed your claim?
• Has your insurance company offered a settlement that is simply not enough to repair the property?
• Do they want to clean items instead of replacing them?
• Maybe they have depreciated items heavily?
• Are they continuing to request more documentation from you such as receipts, invoices or wanting three estimates?

All insurance policies have an appraisal clause that most people do not know about. This means that rather than accepting their final figures, you can demand appraisal, which is similar to arbitration or mediation.

There are several advantages to you when you demand appraisal:

• It is less expensive than going to litigation.
• It is a quicker process than litigation.
• The insurance adjuster is removed from the process, so you now have a disinterested party on the other side.
• You chose the appraiser to represent you going forward.

We have helped many people with insurance appraisals. In every appraisal we have handled, we have recovered substantially more money for them. Every claim is different and presents its own unique challenges. Rather than simply accepting what the insurance company has offered you, you should exercise your policy rights and demand appraisal.

If you are unhappy with the settlement your insurance company is offering you, or simply feel that your claim is not being handled in a timely fashion, please contact our offices and speak to one of our adjusters. They will review your claim and will advise you if moving forward with appraisal will be a good option for you.