Appraisal clause representation in Rhode Island starts with a simple premise: you and your insurer agree the damage is covered, but you can’t agree on what it will cost to repair or replace. Rhode Island law prescribes a standard fire policy form, and that form, along with most homeowner and commercial property policies written here, contains an appraisal provision. Either side can demand it in writing. Each side then names a competent, disinterested appraiser, and the two appraisers select an umpire.
What we do as your appraiser
- Read the policy first. We confirm the appraisal wording, any deadlines for naming an appraiser and what the policy says about costs.
- Build an independent valuation. We inspect, measure and write a line-item estimate priced for your area, not a marked-up copy of the carrier’s.
- Work the differences line by line. Most of the movement in an appraisal happens between the two appraisers, item by item.
- Present unresolved items to the umpire. If we can’t agree with the other appraiser, the umpire reviews both positions. Any two signatures set the amount of loss.
What appraisal can and can’t decide
Appraisal settles the amount of a covered loss: quantities, prices, repair methods and, depending on the policy, actual cash value. It generally does not decide whether something is covered, whether an exclusion applies, or whether the insurer handled the claim properly. Those are legal questions for the policy, the insurer and, if needed, a Rhode Island attorney.
Common disputes we see in Rhode Island
- Partial roof replacement versus full slope or full roof replacement after wind
- Matching cedar shingle, clapboard or slate on older homes in Providence, Newport and Bristol
- Interior water damage after ice dams or wind-driven rain during a nor’easter
- Hurricane deductible math and what portion of the damage falls above it
- Code upgrade items, permits and general contractor overhead and profit
Fees in writing
Each side pays its own appraiser and, in most policies, shares the umpire’s fee. We put our fee arrangement in writing before any work begins. Our first conversation about whether appraisal fits your claim is free.
Questions about appraisal clause representation
Who can invoke appraisal in Rhode Island?
Under most policies either the policyholder or the insurer can demand appraisal in writing when the two sides disagree on the amount of loss. Check your policy’s exact wording, because some forms add conditions or timelines.
Does invoking appraisal mean I’m suing my insurer?
No. Appraisal is a contractual process written into the policy. It is not a lawsuit, and it is limited to the amount of loss.
Can you be my appraiser if you reviewed my estimate first?
Usually yes, as long as we can serve as a competent and disinterested appraiser under your policy wording. We disclose any relationship that could raise a question about that.