Appraisal & Umpire Services
Resolve Insurance Claim Disputes
Without Going to Court
When you and the insurance company agree that a loss is covered but disagree on the value of the damages, the appraisal process provides an efficient, legally recognized path to resolution.
Understanding the Appraisal Process
Many property insurance policies include an appraisal provision that allows both parties to resolve disputes over the amount of loss without lengthy litigation. Rather than arguing coverage, the appraisal process focuses solely on determining the fair value of the damages.
Appraisal Clause Invoked
When the value of a claim becomes disputed, either party may invoke the appraisal clause contained within the insurance policy.
Appraisers Selected
Each party selects its own independent appraiser to represent their interests throughout the process.
Inspection & Review
Both appraisers inspect the property, review estimates, documentation, and all supporting evidence.
Appraisers Negotiate
The appraisers attempt to reach an agreement regarding the amount of loss. If both agree, that amount becomes binding under the policy.
Umpire Decides (If Needed)
If the appraisers cannot agree, disputed items are submitted to a neutral umpire. The decision reached by any two members of the panel establishes the final amount of loss.
Your Advocate
Appraisal Representation
As your appointed appraiser, Bear Claims Consulting Group serves as your advocate throughout the appraisal process. Our responsibility is to ensure every component of the covered loss is properly identified, documented, measured, and valued.
- Comprehensive property inspections
- Detailed damage assessments
- Independent scope development
- Xactimate estimate preparation and review
- Analysis of engineering reports and expert documentation
- Review of contractor estimates and repair costs
- Evaluation of overlooked or undervalued damages
- Negotiation with the opposing appraiser throughout the process
Built on facts, documentation, construction knowledge, and policy compliance — not emotion
Impartial & Independent
Neutral Umpire Services
When appointed as umpire, our role is completely independent. We carefully evaluate the evidence presented by both appraisers and issue fair, unbiased decisions based on the facts, industry standards, and applicable policy provisions.
- Careful evaluation of evidence from both appraisers
- Review of all supporting documentation
- Property inspection when necessary
- Fair, unbiased decisions based on facts and industry standards
- Objective determinations grounded in applicable policy provisions
- Complete transparency throughout the process
Professionalism, neutrality, and transparency at the center of every umpire assignment
Why Experience Matters
Insurance appraisal requires far more than preparing an estimate. Successful appraisers understand construction methods, repair pricing, insurance policy language, claim documentation, estimating software, and dispute resolution.
Experience often determines whether damages are fully recognized or significant portions of a loss remain overlooked.
Construction Methods & Repair Pricing
Insurance Policy Language & Compliance
Xactimate Estimating & Documentation
When Should You Consider Appraisal?
Appraisal may be the right path when coverage isn't the issue — the value is.
The insurance company agrees the damage is covered but disputes the repair cost.
The scope of repairs differs significantly between estimates.
A claim has stalled due to disagreements over pricing or valuation.
Both parties need an efficient alternative to litigation.
An independent, evidence-based determination of the amount of loss is needed.
Need an Experienced Appraiser or Neutral Umpire?
Whether you need representation as an appraiser or require an impartial umpire, we deliver objective evaluations, professional advocacy, and fair dispute resolution.
Discuss Your Appraisal Assignment