Appraiser Services for Home & Business Claims

If you don’t believe that your insurance company is offering you the full value of your property losses during the claim adjustment process, you may have the option of invoking the appraisal clause. Pursuing this process is a decision that should be carefully considered and strategically planned. An experienced and trusted public adjuster can explain your options and rights, and will help you navigate successfully through this course of action. Compass Claim Solutions offers top quality insurance appraiser services for business and homeowners who are involved in disputes with their insurance companies regarding a variety of loss claim matters. For more information on our insurance appraiser services, contact us right away to discuss your claim.

Understanding How the Appraisal Process Works

The appraisal process allows the property owner to bring in an independent insurance appraiser to determine the value and scope of the insurance claim. Meanwhile, your insurance company will also select and hire an appraiser of its own.

During the appraisal process, your independent appraiser and the appraiser of your insurance company will select and agree to a neutral umpire who will act as an arbiter or “judge” in the event that they cannot agree on certain valuations. The neutral umpire will make the final determination on the settlement offered.

What Does Invoking the Appraisal Clause Cost, and How Long Does It Take?

Each side pays for its own appraiser, and if a neutral umpire is needed to break a disagreement, that cost is typically split between both parties. As your independent appraiser, Compass Claim Solutions works on the same contingency basis as our adjuster services, a percentage of what we help you recover, so there’s no upfront cost to bring us in. Timelines vary by claim complexity and how quickly both appraisers can agree, but invoking the appraisal clause is often faster than a drawn-out negotiation that goes nowhere.

Compass Claim Solutions can act as your independent appraisal service. We employ experienced, specialized, public adjusters and property damage appraisers to examine your claim. Throughout the appraisal process, we remain committed to upholding your rights so you can get the best value possible.

Infrared Inspection: Seeing the Damage Insurance Adjusters Miss

Many settlement disputes come down to damage that’s invisible to the naked eye, moisture behind a wall, a compromised roof deck under intact shingles. We use infrared inspection technology as part of our independent appraisal, so the scope of damage we present isn’t just our opinion, it’s backed by data your insurance company’s appraiser may not have used.

In summary, as your representative, Compass Claim Solutions will:

• Analyze all claim-related materials and supporting documentation
• Investigate and reinvestigate damages using the latest infrared and claim technology
• Develop our own assessments of damage and estimates to support our investigation and analysis
• Consult with contractors, engineers, and other professionals to make sure that we have all necessary data to support our claim presentation
• Act as your selected insurance appraiser and present our findings to the other side

Contact us today to discuss your situation and get started on the right path to a just and fair insurance claim settlement.

What is the appraisal clause in my insurance policy?

The appraisal clause is a provision in most property insurance policies that lets you challenge a settlement offer you believe is too low. It allows you to bring in your own independent appraiser to determine the value and scope of your claim, separate from the estimate your insurance company’s own appraiser produces.

What happens if my appraiser and my insurance company’s appraiser don’t agree?

Your independent appraiser and your insurance company’s appraiser select a neutral umpire together. If the two appraisers can’t agree on the value of your claim, the umpire reviews both positions and makes the final, binding determination on your settlement.

What does Compass Claim Solutions do as my independent appraiser?

We analyze your claim materials and supporting documentation, reinvestigate the damage using infrared and other claim technology, develop our own assessment and estimate, and consult with contractors and engineers when needed. We then present those findings as your selected appraiser.

When should I invoke the appraisal clause instead of just negotiating with my adjuster?

If you believe your insurance company’s settlement offer does not reflect the true value of your loss and negotiating hasn’t resolved the difference, the appraisal clause gives you a formal path to have an independent appraiser reassess the claim. It is worth discussing your specific situation with us before deciding, since invoking it is a strategic decision.

How much does an independent appraisal cost with Compass Claim Solutions?

Like our adjuster services, our appraisal services work on a contingency basis. We only get paid a percentage of what we help you recover, so there is no upfront cost to bring us in as your independent appraiser.