Insurance Appraisal Questions, Grouped by Topic

It’s a process written into most property policies for settling disagreements over the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, the appraisers pick an umpire, and any two of the three can set the amount.

No. A real estate appraiser estimates market value for a sale or loan. An insurance appraiser values the cost to repair or replace damaged property under your policy.

Generally no. Appraisal decides the amount of loss, while coverage and policy interpretation questions belong to the carrier, the courts or an attorney you hire.

Usually either you or the insurance company can. The demand should be in writing and should point to the appraisal provision in your policy.

On the amount of loss it generally is once two of the three panel members sign. A New Mexico attorney can tell you how courts here treat challenges to an award.

Most policies say each side pays its own appraiser and the umpire’s fee is split equally. Check your policy for the exact wording.

Arrangements vary and can be hourly, flat or a percentage of the award. Whatever the structure, get it in writing before work begins.

Sometimes not. If the gap between estimates is small compared with fees and your deductible, a supplement request or estimate review may make more sense.

We’re happy to talk through your file and tell you whether appraisal looks like a fit before any fee arrangement is discussed.

A simple roof claim can finish in a few weeks once both appraisers are named. Large wildfire, commercial or HOA losses can take several months.

Your policy may set time limits for appraisal steps and for filing suit. Check your policy, and ask an attorney how New Mexico law treats those limits.

Don’t assume it does. An attorney can tell you how New Mexico law treats suit limitation periods while appraisal is underway.

As soon as the carrier’s estimate arrives and you see a real gap. Early help keeps documentation intact and deadlines visible.

Many policies require repairs within a set period to release the holdback. Read the loss settlement section and calendar the date right away.

The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance, known as OSI. It accepts consumer complaints about insurers and claim handling.

It’s the state’s FAIR plan, a market of last resort for property owners who can’t find coverage in the regular market. Its policies have their own terms, so read them closely.

They can be, because hail damage to coated membranes and stucco is easy to miss or call cosmetic. Careful documentation of parapets, canales and coatings matters.

Roof leaks from wind-driven rain are often covered, but flood and surface water are commonly excluded. Flood coverage usually comes from a separate NFIP or private flood policy.

Yes. We work in all 33 counties, from the Four Corners to the Bootheel, with some inspections done in person and some documentation reviewed remotely.

Your policy, the carrier’s estimate, any contractor estimates, photos and your correspondence with the adjuster. Our appraisal file checkup lists the rest.

If both appraisers agree and we have no conflict with either side, we can serve as umpire. We can’t be your appraiser and the umpire on the same claim.

No. We’re independent appraisers focused on valuation. If you need claim handling or legal advice, we’ll tell you so plainly.

Yes. We appraise multifamily, retail, office and association losses, including large flat roof systems and shared building components.