Insurance Appraisals | Illinois
Insurance Appraisal Services in Illinois
A Structured Process for Disputes Over the Amount of Loss
When you and your insurer agree a covered loss occurred but cannot agree on how much it is worth, your policy may provide for appraisal. Legacy Claims LLC provides insurance appraisal services for residential and commercial property claims, separate from our public adjusting work.
What Is Insurance Appraisal?
Many property insurance policies include an appraisal provision. When the policyholder and the insurer disagree about the amount of loss, either side may be able to invoke it, depending on the policy language. Each side selects an appraiser, and the appraisers work to determine the amount of loss. If they cannot agree, an impartial umpire may be selected to resolve the difference.
Appraisal addresses the amount of loss. It does not automatically resolve disputes about whether the policy covers a loss, and coverage questions may need to be handled separately. The requirements and effect of an appraisal depend on the policy and applicable law. Legacy Claims LLC does not provide legal advice, and you may wish to consult an attorney about your rights.
Appraisal vs. Ordinary Claim Negotiation
Claim Negotiation
An informal exchange between the policyholder, or a public adjuster, and the carrier. It can address coverage, scope, cause of loss and amount of loss, and it generally depends on the parties reaching agreement.
Appraisal
A formal policy process focused on the amount of loss, using appraisers and, if needed, an umpire. It follows the steps in the policy and ends with a written determination of the amount of loss.
Appraisal may be worth considering when coverage is not in question but the carrier's estimate and the policyholder's estimate remain far apart. Whether it is appropriate depends on your policy and circumstances. If you are earlier in the claim process, our public adjusting services may be a better fit.
The Role of the Insured's Appraiser and the Appraisal Process
The insured's appraiser evaluates the damage, repair scope and cost, prepares a supported estimate of the amount of loss, and works with the carrier's appraiser to try to reach agreement. The process typically moves through these stages, subject to your policy:
Review of Policy and Claim File
We review the appraisal provision, the claim documents and both sides' estimates.
Inspection and Documentation
We inspect the property and document the damage and the scope of repairs.
Estimate of the Amount of Loss
We prepare a detailed, supported evaluation of the amount of loss.
Appraiser Discussions
The appraisers exchange positions and attempt to agree on the amount of loss.
Umpire, If Needed
If the appraisers cannot agree, an impartial umpire may decide the remaining differences. Learn about our separate umpire services .
Who We Serve
Property Owners
Residential and commercial owners whose amount-of-loss dispute has not been resolved through negotiation.
Contractors
Contractors seeking appraisal support for a customer's disputed claim.
Attorneys & Professionals
Attorneys and other professionals who need an appraiser for a client's property claim.
Request Appraisal Services
Tell us about the property, the carrier's position and where the dispute stands. We accept residential and commercial appraisal assignments throughout Illinois.