Appraisal Support for Contents & Valuation Disputes
When the carrier and policyholder cannot agree on the amount of loss, Digitory prepares the line-item documentation, research, and rebuttal exhibits appraisers and umpires need to reach a fair award.
What Is Insurance Appraisal?
Insurance appraisal is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process used when the insurer and the insured cannot agree on the amount of loss for covered property. Under most appraisal clauses, each party names an independent appraiser. Those appraisers value the loss and attempt to agree. If they cannot, their differences are submitted to an impartial third appraiser, called an umpire, whose decision binds the panel.
Unlike arbitration, appraisal does not decide coverage, liability, or causation. It resolves only the amount of the loss. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit summarized the distinction this way:
“Insurance appraisals are generally distinguished from arbitration. While both procedures aim to submit a dispute to a third party for speedy and efficient resolution without recourse to the courts, there are significant differences between them.”
That limited scope makes appraisal especially valuable for contents and personal property disputes where the real fight is over valuation and quantity.
How Digitory Supports the Appraisal Process
We do not serve as appraisers, but we make the appraisers’ job easier, faster, and better supported.
Appraisal-Ready Inventories
Room-by-room item lists with descriptions, quantities, condition, age, and RCV/ACV — formatted the way panels and umpires expect to review them.
Substantiated Line-Item Values
Every replacement cost is backed by a current source link or comparable-item note. We prioritize manufacturer MSRP and retail, not auction outliers.
Rebuttal Exhibits
Side-by-side comparisons of carrier estimates, missing-item analyses, and pricing corrections that respond to specific objections.
Scope-of-Loss Documentation
Wide-angle photos, close-ups of labels and maker marks, and organized file references that prove what was there and what it was.
Umpire-Friendly Formatting
Clear summaries, claim-line references, and consistent terminology that help an umpire understand the dispute quickly and rule decisively.
Appraisal Library Access
References on appraisal procedure, timing issues, and court updates — including The Appraisal Atlas and practitioner guides.
Appraisal vs. Arbitration
Because appraisal clauses look like arbitration clauses, the two are often confused. The key difference is scope:
- Arbitration can resolve the entire controversy — coverage, liability, causation, and damages.
- Appraisal is limited to determining the amount of loss. It does not decide whether the insurer is liable under the policy.
Appraisal is also informal. Appraisers typically conduct independent investigations and base decisions on their own knowledge, without formal hearings. That informality makes a well-organized file even more important — the panel’s award is only as good as the evidence it receives.
Appraisal Procedure Resources
Reference materials for public adjusters, attorneys, appraisers, and umpires.
The Appraisal Atlas
A comprehensive reference on insurance appraisal procedure, causation, and the role of the appraisal panel.
Appraisal vs. Arbitration
Explains the critical differences between these two ADR processes and when each applies.
Appraisal in the Courts
Three-year update on how courts have treated appraisal clauses, scope disputes, and umpire procedure.
Appraisal Timing Issues
When appraisal can be invoked, how deadlines are interpreted, and common procedural traps.
Building an Appraisal-Ready File
Practical checklist for compiling the inventory, photos, and documentation an appraiser needs.
RCV vs. ACV
How replacement cost and actual cash value are calculated and why the distinction matters in appraisal.
When to Involve Digitory
The right time to bring us in is as soon as a valuation dispute is likely.
Before Appraisal Is Invoked
We can organize the inventory, research values, and prepare the demand package so the first appraiser appointment is productive.
After Appraisal Is Demanded
We support the insured’s appraiser with exhibits, rebuttals, and additional line-item research.
Before the Umpire
We package the disputed items into a clear, concise format that helps an umpire compare positions and reach a decision.
Get Appraisal Support
Tell us about the dispute, the carrier’s position, and the property involved. We will advise whether a Digitory-supported appraisal file is the right next step.
Start a Conversation