Appraisal Services
Home – Auto – Commercial – Farm & Ranch
When an insurance claim stalls because both sides can’t agree on the value of the loss, the appraisal process provides a fair, structured, and efficient way to resolve the dispute.
Appraisal is a professional service, and depending on scope and complexity, fees typically exceed $1,000 for property and start at just $500 for auto. At The Solvero Group, we specialize in formal property appraisals conducted under the Appraisal Clause—a non-judicial dispute resolution method found in many homeowners and commercial insurance policies.
Whether you represent an insurance company or a policyholder invoking appraisal, we provide neutral, experienced, and highly trained appraisers to help reach a fair valuation.
What sets us apart is our background. Our team includes active, working insurance adjusters with decades of hands-on field experience. We understand how to build accurate scope, apply pricing consistent with policy obligations, and document the loss in a way that withstands scrutiny—especially if the matter goes before an umpire.
What Is the Appraisal Clause?
The Appraisal Clause is a standard provision in many insurance policies. It provides a structured dispute resolution process for resolving disagreements about the amount of loss—without filing a lawsuit.
This clause appears in the Conditions or Loss Settlement section of the policy. When there is a legitimate value dispute (not coverage), either party may invoke appraisal.
Each side selects its own independent appraiser. If the two appraisers cannot agree, they jointly select a neutral umpire. The goal is straightforward: determine a fair value for the covered damage.
Appraisal helps keep disputes out of court while ensuring both parties receive a professional, unbiased assessment.
How the Appraisal Process Works
1. Appraisal Is Invoked
A written request is submitted under the policy’s appraisal clause to resolve a disagreement over the amount of loss.
2. Appraisers Are Selected
Each party chooses an independent, qualified appraiser and pays their own appraiser’s fee.
3. Umpire Is Agreed Upon
If the appraisers cannot agree on value, they jointly select a neutral umpire. Umpire costs are normally split.
4. Property Is Evaluated and Documented
Each appraiser conducts an independent assessment of the damages, scope, and pricing, and prepares supporting documentation.
5. Value Is Determined
The appraisers compare findings. If agreement cannot be reached, the umpire reviews both sides and issues the final, binding award.
This process is designed to be efficient, fair, and consistent with policy terms—avoiding unnecessary litigation.
When Can Appraisal Be Used?
Appraisal is intended only for disputes about the value of a covered loss. It is not a tool for resolving coverage questions or cause-of-loss disagreements. Below is a simple guide:
| Dispute Type | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of Loss Dispute | Insured says full roof needs replacing ($18,000). Insurer says only one slope is damaged ($6,000). | YES —In some states, this is exactly what appraisal is for. |
| Scope of Repairs Dispute | Insurer says only shingles are damaged. Insured says decking and flashing also need replacing. | YES — In some states, disagreements are valid for appraisal. |
| Vehicle/Equipment Total Loss Evaluation | Insurer values the vehicle at an amount lower than market value. | YES — Disagreements on value in a total loss situation are valid for appraisal. |
| Coverage Dispute – Excluded Item | Insured claims hail damage to solar panels, but solar panels are excluded under the policy | NO — this is a coverage issue, not a value issue. |
| Coverage Dispute – Unlisted Structure | Insured claims damage to a detached garage, but the garage isn’t listed on the declarations page. | NO — not covered, so appraisal doesn’t apply. |
| Pre-Existing Damage Dispute | Insurer denies skylight claim, saying it was already cracked before the storm. | NO — this is a cause-of-loss issue, not an amount dispute |
What an Appraiser Does
- Inspects and evaluates the scope of damage
- Reviews estimates, invoices, and all relevant documentation
- Applies policy-consistent pricing
- Presents a clear, defensible valuation
- Collaborates professionally with the opposing appraiser
- Prepares the file for umpire review when necessary
What an Appraiser Does Not Do
- Decide whether the loss is covered
- Offer legal advice or appear in court as counsel
- Act as a contractor or negotiate policy terms
- Resolve disagreements about exclusions, deductibles, or cause of loss
Why Experience Matters
Your appraiser plays a critical role in the outcome of the claim — especially if the dispute reaches the umpire stage. That’s why experience isn’t optional.
Our team consists of active, working insurance adjusters with decades of field experience. We don’t just know policy language — we know how to identify damages, develop proper scope, apply accurate pricing, and document the loss in a way that stands up to scrutiny.
We also understand how to collaborate professionally with the other party’s appraiser and present your position clearly if the case reaches an umpire. This level of precision and professionalism helps avoid delays and leads to fairer, faster outcomes.
This combination of technical skill and claims experience results in appraisals that are fair, well-supported, and completed without unnecessary delays.