Appraisals & Umpire Services in Florida
Insurance appraisal is a dispute-resolution process used when the policyholder and insurance company agree that a covered loss occurred but disagree about the amount of the loss. When the policy contains an appraisal provision, appraisal may provide a structured process for resolving the disagreement without requiring the parties to litigate the amount of the loss.
BBB ACCREDITED
BBB Rating A
WINDSTORM MEMBER
Certified Windstorm Insurance Network Appraiser
FAPIA MEMBER
Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters
Insurance Appraisal Process
The appraisal process generally involves three participants: the policyholder’s appraiser, the insurance company’s appraiser, and an umpire if the two appraisers cannot reach an agreement.
1. The Policyholder Selects an Appraiser
The policyholder selects an independent appraiser to evaluate the disputed damages and prepare a position regarding the amount of the loss. The appraiser should have experience evaluating property damage, estimating repair costs, and analyzing the scope and valuation of the claimed damages.
2. The Insurance Company Selects an Appraiser
The insurance company selects its own appraiser. Each appraiser independently evaluates the loss and works to determine the appropriate amount of damages within the scope of the appraisal.
3. The Appraisers Review the Loss
The appraisers may review estimates, photographs, invoices, engineering or other technical documentation, building materials, repair methodologies, and other information relevant to the amount of the loss. Depending on the circumstances, additional inspections may also be conducted.
4. The Appraisers Attempt to Reach an Agreement
The two appraisers compare their respective evaluations and attempt to agree on the amount of the loss. If they reach an agreement, that agreement is documented and submitted in accordance with the applicable appraisal process.
5. An Umpire May Be Required
If the two appraisers cannot agree, the appraisal process may proceed to an umpire. The umpire is intended to serve as a neutral third participant in the appraisal process. The umpire reviews the disputed items and the positions presented by the two appraisers and considers the evidence relevant to the disputed amount.
6. Determination of the Amount of Loss
Where the appraisal process requires an umpire’s participation, an agreement between the two appraisers or an agreement between one appraiser and the umpire can establish the appraisal award, subject to the terms of the applicable insurance policy and Florida law.
The Role of an Appraiser
An appraiser represents the party that selected them in the appraisal process. The appraiser’s responsibility is to evaluate and present that party’s position regarding the amount of the loss.
An appraiser may analyze:
- The scope of property damage
- Repair and replacement costs
- Construction materials and methods
- Labor and material pricing
- Building code-related costs when applicable to the disputed valuation
- Photographs and documentation
- Estimates and supporting documentation
- Differences between the parties’ estimates
- Other issues affecting the valuation of the loss
An appraiser is not the same as an insurance adjuster handling the claim, and the appraisal process generally focuses on the amount of the loss rather than every coverage issue that may exist under the policy.
The Role of an Umpire
The umpire serves as a neutral decision-maker within the appraisal process when the two appraisers are unable to reach an agreement.
The umpire does not represent either the policyholder or the insurance company. Instead, the umpire reviews the disputed issues, considers the information presented by the appraisers, and participates in determining the disputed amount of loss in accordance with the policy and applicable law.
Appraisal vs. Litigation
Appraisal is different from a lawsuit. The appraisal process is generally designed to address disputes concerning the amount of a loss, while questions concerning coverage, policy interpretation, liability, or other legal issues may fall outside the scope of appraisal depending on the policy and circumstances.
For Florida property insurance claims, the specific policy language and applicable Florida law should always be reviewed before invoking or participating in appraisal.
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals provides professional property insurance appraisal and umpire services throughout Florida. Our professionals assist with the evaluation, documentation, and presentation of disputed property losses and, when appointed to serve as an umpire, provide a neutral role in the appraisal process consistent with the applicable insurance policy and Florida law.
Serving Pensacola and All Florida Cities
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals is based in Pensacola and provides appraisals and umpire services throughout Florida.
No matter where your Florida property is located, our team can help you understand your loss, organize your claim documentation, and determine the next step.
We serve clients in Pensacola, Cantonment, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Bellview, Perdido Key, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton, Pace, Crestview, Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, Tallahassee, Quincy, Marianna, Lake City, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Gainesville, Ocala, The Villages, Leesburg, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park, Sanford, Lakeland, Clermont, Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Vero Beach, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miami, Hialeah, Homestead, Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West.
We also assist clients in surrounding communities throughout Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County, Walton County, Bay County, Leon County, Duval County, Alachua County, Marion County, Orange County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, Lee County, Collier County, Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, and other counties across Florida.