What the appraisal clause actually does
Nearly every Georgia homeowners and commercial property policy contains a short paragraph titled “Appraisal.” It says that if you and the company fail to agree on the amount of loss, either party may make a written demand. Each side then selects its own competent, independent appraiser, the two appraisers choose an umpire, and an agreement in writing by any two of the three sets the amount of loss.
That last sentence is what gives appraisal its teeth. It is not a suggestion or a negotiation. A signed award from two of the three panel members is binding on the amount — which is why the person you appoint matters so much.
What we do as your appointed appraiser
- Read the demand and the policy language first. Some forms set a 20-day window to name an appraiser; others say nothing. We confirm the deadlines before anything else happens.
- Re-scope the loss from scratch. We inspect, measure and photograph the property ourselves rather than editing the carrier’s estimate, so every line in our number can be defended.
- Build a line-item valuation in Xactimate using current Georgia pricing for your ZIP code, with code upgrades and overhead and profit treated the way your policy actually reads.
- Meet and work with the carrier’s appraiser to narrow the disagreement to specific line items. Most panels settle the bulk of the dispute at this stage.
- Help select a qualified umpire and, if needed, present the remaining items to that umpire with photos, measurements and pricing support.
- Review the final award form so replacement cost, actual cash value and any holdback are spelled out clearly before anyone signs.
When representation makes sense
Appraisal tends to work best when coverage is accepted and the gap is about scope or price: how many roof slopes are damaged, whether the flooring can be matched, what drywall and paint actually cost in Gwinnett County this year. It is less useful when the dispute is really about policy exclusions, wear and tear, or a late-notice defense.
How we keep the process grounded
We tell you plainly what we think a panel is likely to accept. An appraiser who inflates a number to win the client loses credibility with the umpire — and credibility is what moves awards. Our estimates are built to survive scrutiny, not to impress on first read.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the appraiser my contractor recommends?
No. You choose your appraiser. Many policies require that person to be independent and disinterested, so an appraiser with a financial stake in the repair contract can create problems for the award.
Can the insurance company refuse appraisal?
If the policy contains an appraisal clause and the dispute is about the amount of loss, the carrier generally has to participate once a proper written demand is made. Disputes about coverage are a different matter and may be carved out.
How long does appraisal usually take in Georgia?
Simple residential claims often resolve in six to ten weeks after both appraisers are named. Large commercial losses, contents-heavy claims or panels that need an umpire hearing can run longer.