How to use the estimator
- Enter the insurer’s RCV total — the replacement cost figure before depreciation and deductible.
- Enter your estimate from a contractor or independent estimator, also at RCV.
- Move the slider to test outcomes. Try 30%, 50% and 80% to see a range rather than a single answer.
- Add fees. Use your appraiser’s quoted arrangement and a realistic umpire fee.
Why the slider matters
Appraisal awards rarely match either side’s opening number exactly. Well-documented line items tend to hold; inflated or unsupported ones tend to fall. If your result only works at 90% or 100%, the case is fragile. If it still makes sense at 40%, appraisal is more likely to be worth pursuing.
What the estimator leaves out
It doesn’t account for depreciation timing, policy limits, sub-limits or deductibles — those affect what you’re paid, not the size of the dispute. For holdback math, use the depreciation & holdback calculator.
Questions about this tool
Is a projected award a guarantee?
No. It’s a planning scenario. Actual awards depend on documentation, the panel and the policy.
What’s a typical umpire fee?
It varies widely with the size and complexity of the claim. Ask the appraisers for a quote once an umpire is proposed; the cost is usually split evenly.