Appraisal basics
What is insurance appraisal?
A process written into most property policies for settling disagreements over the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, the appraisers choose an umpire, and an award signed by two of the three sets the amount.
What does an Arizona Insurance Appraiser do?
We serve as the appraiser you name, review estimates before a dispute escalates, and act as a neutral umpire on other panels. Our work is valuing property damage, not deciding coverage or giving legal advice.
Is appraisal the same as arbitration?
No. Appraisal is limited to the amount of loss. It does not decide coverage, liability or bad-faith questions, and it is usually faster and less formal than arbitration.
Who can start appraisal?
Either you or the insurer, usually by written demand, as long as the disagreement is about the amount of loss.
Is the award binding?
On the amount of loss, generally yes, once two of the three panel members sign. Courts can set aside awards in limited circumstances such as fraud or a panel exceeding its authority.
Costs and timing
How much does an appraiser cost?
Fees are either flat or a percentage of the increase over the carrier’s figure, depending on the claim. We put ours in writing before any work begins.
Who pays the umpire?
Most policies split the umpire’s fee equally between you and the insurer.
How long does appraisal take?
Commonly two to four months for a home, longer for complex or commercial losses.
Is there a minimum claim size?
No formal minimum, but if the gap is only a few thousand dollars, fees may consume most of the gain. Run the payoff estimator first.
When is the best time to invoke appraisal?
After coverage is accepted, the carrier’s estimate is final, you have your own itemized estimate and supplement requests have stalled.
Arizona specifics
Who regulates insurers in Arizona?
The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI). You can file a consumer complaint with DIFI if you believe your claim was mishandled.
Does Arizona have a FAIR plan or state wind pool?
Arizona does not operate a FAIR plan or a state wind pool like coastal states do. Homes that are hard to insure in the standard market are usually placed with surplus lines carriers, whose policies can differ in important ways.
What happens if my insurer becomes insolvent?
Arizona has a property and casualty insurance guaranty fund that pays certain covered claims of insolvent licensed insurers, subject to limits. Surplus lines policies are generally not covered by it.
Does Arizona have a bad-faith law?
Arizona statutes list unfair claim settlement practices the department can act on, and Arizona courts recognize a separate legal claim against insurers for bad faith. Whether either applies to you is a question for an Arizona attorney.
How many counties do you cover?
All 15 Arizona counties, from Apache to Yuma.
Roofs and storms
Can appraisal decide whether my tile roof should be replaced?
Appraisal can decide the cost to repair the covered damage, which often turns on whether a repair is feasible given the underlayment and tile availability. Matching questions can involve coverage too.
What if the carrier says the damage is wear and tear?
That is partly a causation and coverage question. Many policies and courts treat some causation questions as part of the amount of loss and others as coverage. Document the storm date and damage carefully.
Are monsoon losses handled differently from hail?
The appraisal process is the same. The difference is in what gets damaged and how a deductible applies. Some Arizona policies have a separate wind/hail deductible.
Is flood covered under my homeowners policy?
Surface flooding is usually excluded and needs separate flood insurance. Rain entering through storm-created openings is often covered.
Working with us
Do you replace my public adjuster or attorney?
No. We work alongside them. Public adjusters manage claims; attorneys handle legal issues; we value the loss inside appraisal.
Can I hire you just for an estimate review?
Yes. Many clients start with a review and decide later whether to invoke appraisal.
Do you guarantee results?
No honest appraiser can. We promise a careful, defensible valuation and straight talk about your options.