Property Appraisal

When disagreements arise regarding the amount of a property loss, appraisal provides a structured process for resolving differences in scope and valuation.

Highpoint Claims Consulting provides independent property appraisal services supported by detailed inspections, construction knowledge, comprehensive estimating, and professional communication throughout the appraisal process.

What Is Property Appraisal?

Property appraisal is a dispute resolution process used when the parties to an insurance claim disagree on the amount of loss. Each party selects a competent and impartial appraiser to independently evaluate the scope and value of the damages.

The appraisers review the available claim documentation, inspect the property when appropriate, evaluate the disputed scope and pricing, and work together to resolve their differences. If the appraisers are unable to reach an agreement, the disputed items may be submitted to a mutually selected umpire for consideration.

The appraisal process is focused on determining the amount of loss and does not determine insurance coverage.

Our Approach

Every appraisal assignment requires more than simply preparing an estimate. Our approach combines careful file review, thorough property inspections, detailed documentation, construction and estimating knowledge, and professional communication with all members of the appraisal panel.
 

Our objective is to identify the legitimate differences between the parties, support our position with clear documentation, and work toward a fair and defensible resolution of the disputed amount of loss.

The Appraisal Process

01 — Assignment Review
We review the available claim documentation, estimates, photographs, reports, and other relevant materials to understand the disputed scope and valuation.
 

02 — Property Inspection
When appropriate, we conduct a detailed inspection to document relevant conditions, measurements, materials, and observed damages.
 

03 — Scope & Valuation
We develop and evaluate the scope of repair and associated pricing using industry-standard estimating practices, supporting documentation, and applicable construction considerations.
 

04 — Appraiser Collaboration
We communicate directly with the opposing appraiser to identify differences in scope and pricing and work toward areas of agreement.
 

05 — Umpire Involvement
When the appraisers are unable to reach agreement on disputed items, those differences may be presented to the selected umpire for consideration.
 

06 — Resolution
Once agreement is reached by any two members of the appraisal panel, the resulting award establishes the agreed amount of loss subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable policy.
 

Professional Appraisal Handling

Highpoint approaches every assignment with an emphasis on impartiality, documentation, responsiveness, and professional communication. Our role is to evaluate the amount of loss—not advocate for a predetermined outcome.

Coverage determinations remain solely with the insuring carrier. Highpoint Claims Consulting does not make coverage determinations.