Damage Appraiser
In addition to our services as Public Adjusters, we provide Commercial Property Insurance Appraisal Services.
Independent Damage Appraisals for Property Insurance Claim Disputes
When you and your insurance company cannot agree on the amount of a covered property loss, your insurance policy may provide an appraisal process to resolve the disagreement.
Building Damage Consultants provides property insurance appraisal and damage appraisal services for commercial property claims. Our registered property loss and damage appraisers evaluate the documented damage, scope of work, repair methodology, quantities, and pricing to develop a well-supported appraisal of the loss.
We specialize in commercial property claims and complex property damage disputes.
This page answers questions you may have about Damage Appraisal. Use quick links below, or scroll to learn more.
What is a Property Insurance Appraisal?
When is Property Insurance Appraisal Used?
What is Our Commercial Appraisal Process?
What is the Difference Between Appraisal and Public Adjusting?
What Is a Property Insurance Appraisal?
A property insurance appraisal is a dispute-resolution process that may be included in a property insurance policy.
When the policyholder and insurance company agree that a loss is covered but disagree about the amount of the loss, the policy's appraisal provision may provide a process for determining the value of the disputed damage.
Generally, each side selects an appraiser. The two appraisers attempt to reach agreement on the amount of loss. If they cannot agree, the appraisal process may involve a neutral umpire, depending on the applicable policy and state requirements.
The appraisal process is different from a lawsuit, mediation, or a coverage determination.
Appraisal generally addresses: How much is the covered damage worth?
It generally does not determine: Whether the insurance policy provides coverage for the damage.
Because appraisal provisions differ, the specific policy language and applicable state requirements should always be reviewed before invoking the process.
What Is a Damage Appraisal?
A damage appraisal is an independent evaluation of the amount and scope of property damage.
For a commercial property insurance claim, this can involve evaluating:
- The documented property damage
- Repair and replacement requirements
- Quantities
- Measurements
- Materials
- Labor
- Repair methodology
- Construction costs
- Roofing systems
- Building components
- Equipment
- Contents
- Other components of the covered loss
Our appraisers use property damage documentation, inspection findings, estimating information, construction knowledge, and industry experience to evaluate the amount of the loss.
The goal is to develop a well-supported appraisal based on the evidence and documented condition of the property.
When Is Property Insurance Appraisal Used?
Property insurance appraisal may become appropriate when there is a significant disagreement regarding the amount of a covered loss.
Examples can include disagreements involving:
- The scope of repairs
- Quantity of damaged materials
- Repair or replacement methods
- Labor requirements
- Material pricing
- Roofing damage
- Storm damage
- Hail damage
- Water damage
- Fire and smoke damage
- Large commercial property losses
- Multiple buildings or structures
- Complex repair requirements
- Real Estate Purchases
For example, the policyholder and insurance company may agree that a commercial roof sustained covered storm damage but disagree substantially about the appropriate repair scope and cost. Or an investor buying a property may want to appraise the value of the roof before making an offer.
That type of disagreement may be appropriate for consideration under an appraisal provision, depending on the policy and applicable law.
Our Commercial Damage Appraisal Process
How Appraisal Differs from Public Adjusting
A property insurance appraiser's role is different from that of a public adjuster.
A public adjuster represents the policyholder in the insurance claim process and can assist with developing, documenting, and presenting the claim.
An appraiser is appointed within the appraisal process to evaluate the amount of the disputed loss.
This distinction matters. For example, if you are still developing your commercial insurance claim, a public adjuster or damage consultant may be the appropriate professional.
If an appraisal has been invoked because the parties disagree about the amount of a covered loss, an experienced property insurance appraiser may be appropriate.
In some circumstances, the same professional may have qualifications for multiple roles, but the professional's role on a particular claim should be clearly defined.
Another role in Appraisal is the Umpire.
What Is an Insurance Appraisal Umpire?
If the two party-appointed appraisers cannot agree, the applicable appraisal process may provide for a neutral umpire.
The umpire is not supposed to represent the policyholder or the insurance company.
The umpire's role is generally to review the disputed amount of loss and help resolve the disagreement according to the applicable policy and governing requirements.
The specific authority and procedure of an umpire depend on the applicable policy and jurisdiction.
Building Damage Consultants also provides insurance appraisal umpire services when qualified and appropriately independent for the engagement.
If your claim has not entered appraisal, do not assume appraisal is the right next step simply because you disagree with the insurance company's estimate.
A claim review can help determine whether the issue is one of scope and valuation or whether other issues need to be addressed first.
Types of Property Damage We Appraise
Our property insurance appraisal experience can involve complex losses resulting from:
Storm Damage
Wind, severe weather, and other storm-related property losses.
Hail Damage
Roofing, exterior, mechanical, and other property damage associated with hail events.
Roof Damage
Commercial roofing systems and related building components.
Water Damage
Building and property damage associated with covered water losses.
Fire & Smoke Damage
Complex building, equipment, and contents losses.
Large Commercial Losses
High-value and complicated property losses involving multiple structures, systems, or categories of damage.
Need a Property Insurance Appraisal?
If you are involved in a commercial property insurance claim dispute, Building Damage Consultants can help you determine whether our appraisal services may be appropriate for your situation.
We provide commercial property insurance appraisal, property damage appraisal, and umpire services for complex property losses.
Why Choose Building Damage Consultants for Property Insurance Appraisal?
A strong appraisal requires more than an estimate.
It requires an understanding of:
- Property damage
- Construction
- Estimating
- Repair methodology
- Building systems
- Documentation
- Claim valuation
- Commercial property losses
Our team includes licensed public adjusters, certified damage consultants, registered property loss/damage appraisers, and umpires.
That experience allows us to understand the difference between what is damaged, what needs to be repaired, how it should be repaired, and what the documented loss is worth.
Get Your Property Insurance Claim Reviewed
If you have experienced property damage or are already dealing with an insurance claim, Building Damage Consultants can review your situation and help you understand your options.
833-61-CLAIM (833-612-5246)
info@bdc.claims