Insurance Appraisal Questions from Rhode Island Owners

A process written into most property policies for settling disagreements about the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, the appraisers choose an umpire, and any two of the three can sign a binding award on the amount.

As your appointed appraiser, we inspect, build an independent line-item valuation, work through the differences with the carrier’s appraiser and, if needed, present unresolved items to the umpire.

No. Mediation is voluntary and non-binding unless you sign a settlement. An appraisal award on the amount of loss is generally binding.

They’re similar, but appraisal is narrower. It decides the amount of loss, not legal questions like coverage.

When coverage is accepted, you have the carrier’s itemized estimate and a credible estimate of your own, and the gap between them is meaningful.

When the claim was denied, when the dispute is about coverage or causation, when the gap is too small to justify fees, or when a deadline is close and you need legal advice.

Yes. Most policies let either side invoke it.

Appraisal under your homeowner policy values the covered loss. Whether damage was caused by wind or flood is usually a causation and coverage question outside appraisal.

Each side pays its own appraiser, and the umpire’s fee is usually split. Fee arrangements vary; ask for one in writing.

A few weeks for a straightforward residential claim once appraisers are named. Complex or commercial claims can take several months.

Yes. We’ll tell you honestly whether appraisal is likely to help.

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, through its Insurance Division. It handles consumer complaints and licenses insurers, agents and adjusters.

A property insurer of last resort for owners who can’t find coverage in the regular market, often near the coast. FAIR Plan policies have their own terms, including how disputes over the amount of loss are handled.

Many do. They’re usually a percentage of dwelling coverage and apply when the storm meets the policy’s trigger. Check your declarations page.

Yes. Rhode Island has a statute allowing an insured to bring a claim against an insurer for bad-faith refusal to pay or settle. Whether it applies is a legal question for a Rhode Island attorney; appraisal doesn’t decide it.

Yes, all 39 cities and towns across Rhode Island’s five counties, including Block Island by arrangement.

Neither. We provide appraisal, estimating and umpire services. We don’t give legal advice or negotiate claims outside the appraisal process.

No. No honest appraiser can. We can promise a thorough, documented valuation.

Your declarations page and policy, the carrier’s full estimate, any contractor estimate, photos and the carrier’s letters.