Under a typical auto policy appraisal clause, you and your insurer each choose an appraiser, and if the two appraisers can't agree on the amount of loss, they submit their differences to an umpire. A decision agreed to by any two of the three usually sets the amount.
The appraisal clause is part of your policy contract, so the exact wording controls. Look for who can demand appraisal, deadlines, how the umpire is chosen, and who pays which costs. Policies differ, so treat this page as a general outline.
Either side typically can demand appraisal when you agree a loss is covered but disagree on the amount. Our appraisal form creates a written demand letter you can review and sign.
You choose your own independent appraiser, and the insurer chooses theirs. The two appraisers inspect, compare estimates and try to agree.
If the appraisers can't agree, they usually select a neutral umpire. Many policies say a court can appoint one if the appraisers can't agree on who it should be.
The umpire reviews only the items in dispute. An agreement by any two of the three typically sets the amount of loss. Appraisal usually decides the amount, not whether the claim is covered.
Policies commonly say each side pays its own appraiser and shares the umpire's cost. Check your policy for the exact terms.
Three sides to every claim. I've worked all of them. Geoffrey C. Albach has spent 33 years in the industry as an independent appraiser, a former insurance staff adjuster, and a collision repair operations director.
By Geoffrey C. Albach, independent auto damage appraiser · About Geoff
Related guides: Virginia's appraisal clause · Total Loss: How Actual Cash Value (ACV) Is Determined · Do I Need an Independent Appraiser? · All guides
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Under a typical clause, the umpire resolves the items the two appraisers can't agree on.
Usually the two appraisers. Many policies let a court appoint one if they can't agree.
Usually not. It typically decides the amount of loss, not whether the claim is covered.
Policies often say an agreement by two of the three sets the amount. Ask a Virginia attorney about your policy's wording.
General information, not legal advice. Talk to a Virginia attorney about your specific claim.
Call or text Geoff at 434-665-6059. Lynchburg, VA.
