Appraisals in Texas
Insurance appraisal when you and your carrier can't agree on the amount of loss
Most property policies in Texas include an appraisal clause. When you agree the damage is covered but disagree with the insurance company on how much it will cost to repair, either side can demand appraisal. Each side then hires its own appraiser, and the two appraisers choose an umpire to settle anything they can't agree on.
We serve as your appraiser. The insurance company's appraiser is looking at the claim from their side; we inspect, measure and document every damaged item from yours, build a line-by-line estimate, and negotiate it through to a signed award. An award signed by two of the three (both appraisers, or one appraiser and the umpire) sets the amount of loss.
Appraisal is often faster and far cheaper than a lawsuit, and it keeps the decision with people who understand construction costs. It is the right tool when the fight is about dollars, not about whether something is covered.
What's included
- Policy review to confirm the appraisal clause and its deadlines
- Full property inspection with photos, measurements and roof/elevation diagrams
- Independent Xactimate estimate of the complete repair scope
- Help drafting and sending the written appraisal demand
- All negotiation with the carrier's appraiser
- Umpire selection and presentation of your evidence to the umpire if needed
- A signed appraisal award and an explanation of what it means for your payment
Who it's for
- Homeowners whose carrier's estimate won't cover a contractor's actual repair bid
- Business and commercial property owners with large or complex losses
- Policyholders who received a partial payment and a denial of the rest of the scope
- Attorneys and public adjusters who need a qualified appraiser for their client
- Roofers and contractors whose customer's claim stalled on price
How it works
- Step 1
Free claim review
Send us your estimate, denial letter or photos. We tell you honestly whether appraisal makes sense for your situation.
- Step 2
Appraisal demand
We help you invoke appraisal in writing under your policy so the process formally begins.
- Step 3
Inspection & estimate
We inspect the property and write a detailed estimate backed by photos, measurements and pricing.
- Step 4
Negotiation
We work through the estimate item by item with the carrier's appraiser to reach agreement.
- Step 5
Umpire (if needed)
Items still in dispute go to the jointly selected umpire, and we present your evidence.
- Step 6
Award
Once two of the three sign, the award sets the amount of loss and the carrier issues payment under the policy.
Appraisals questions
Does appraisal decide whether my damage is covered?
Generally, no. Appraisal decides the amount of loss. Coverage questions, like whether a cause of loss is excluded, are usually outside what appraisers decide. We'll tell you up front if your dispute is a coverage issue.
How long does appraisal take?
Many residential appraisals finish in weeks to a few months. It depends on how quickly the carrier names its appraiser and how many items are in dispute.
Can my insurance company refuse appraisal?
If the policy has an appraisal clause and the dispute is over the amount of loss, the carrier is generally bound by it. We review your exact policy language first.
Do I still get paid for depreciation?
The award usually lists replacement cost and actual cash value. Recoverable depreciation is normally paid once repairs are completed, per your policy.
Related services
Loss Consulting
As a loss consultant, I provide concrete evaluations and detailed estimates for damaged properties. My role is to analyze the condition of your property and document the true scope of repairs needed. With my reports, you gain the accurate numbers necessary to support your claim and secure a fair resolution.
Estimate Writing And Supplements
Our Estimate Writing and Supplements service offers homeowners accurate, detailed assessments of property damage, ensuring fair compensation by maximizing your insurance claim through expert analysis and comprehensive documentation.
Umpire Services
When a dispute arises between you and your insurance company over the value of a property damage claim, I serve as a neutral third party to help bring resolution. Unlike an adjuster who represents one side, my role is to remain completely impartial, making sure both parties receive a fair and accurate determination of the loss.
Appraisals across Texas
Fort WorthDallasArlingtonIrvingGrand PrairieMesquiteGarlandRichardsonPlanoFriscoMcKinneyAllenCarrolltonRowlettDentonLewisvilleMansfieldWaxahachieWacoTempleKilleenGeorgetownRound RockAustinSan MarcosNew BraunfelsSan AntonioCollege StationHoustonKatySugar LandThe WoodlandsConroeLeague CityGalveston