Policyholder Appraiser
Independent, thorough damage assessments on behalf of policyholders so your claim is accurately valued and properly documented.
Appraisal & Umpire Services
Resolve The Value Dispute Without Letting The Claim Stall
When you and your insurance company cannot agree on the value of your claim, the appraisal process provides a binding path forward. With 1,000+ appraisals handled nationwide, Keathley Claims serves as appraisers and umpires for policyholders and carriers.
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1,000+
Appraisals handled nationwide
30-90
Typical resolution window in days
3 Roles
Policyholder, Carrier, and Umpire Work
Our Services
Clear Roles For Complex Property Valuation Disputes
Appraisal is about valuation. We organize the documentation, inspect the loss, compare positions, and help move the dispute toward a final number.
Insurance Carrier Appraiser
Fair, organized valuations for insurance companies when a disputed loss needs an independent appraisal position.
Umpire Services
Neutral review when two appraisers cannot agree, with clear evaluation of both positions and a binding decision.
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The Process
Understanding The Insurance Appraisal Process
The appraisal clause exists in most property insurance policies as a way to resolve disputes over the value of a loss without going to court. Agreement by any two of the three participants sets the final value.
01
Appraisal Is Invoked
Either party can invoke appraisal when there is a disagreement over the amount of loss.
02
Each Side Selects An Appraiser
Both parties choose an independent appraiser to review the damage, documentation, and estimate position.
03
Appraisers Compare Positions
The appraisers work to agree on the loss amount, separating valuation issues from coverage questions.
04
An Umpire Resolves Deadlock
If the appraisers cannot agree, an umpire reviews both sides and helps set the final binding value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the insurance appraisal process? +
When you and your insurance company or when you and your insured disagree on the value of your claim, most policies allow either party to invoke appraisal. Each side hires an appraiser, and if those two cannot agree, an umpire makes the final binding decision.
When should I invoke appraisal? +
Consider appraisal when negotiations stall, you have received an unreasonably low offer, or the insurance company disputes the scope of damage. It can be faster and less expensive than litigation, but appraisal is also a less regulated process and can feel like the Wild West depending on the appraisers and umpire involved.
How much does it cost? +
Appraisal costs vary based on the appraisers or umpires involved, the complexity of the loss, and the amount of work required. Contact us to discuss the details of your appraisal and what our role would involve.
How long does appraisal take? +
The timeline depends on the appraisers involved, the umpire if one is needed, the complexity of the loss, and how quickly documentation is exchanged. We can only control our part of the process, and we act swiftly so we are not the reason appraisal is delayed.
What is the difference between an appraiser and an umpire? +
Both appraisers are expected to be independent and impartial, providing objective damage valuations. Each party selects their own appraiser. If the two appraisers cannot reach agreement, the umpire, a neutral third party, reviews both positions and issues a binding decision.
Do I need an attorney for appraisal? +
No. Appraisal is a valuation dispute process, not a legal proceeding. If coverage, policy interpretation, or legal issues are involved, those questions should be addressed outside the appraisal process with appropriate legal counsel.