Marshall Services LLC — Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Services for Property Damage Disputes.

Marshall Services LLC provides IAUA CPAU certified insurance appraisal and umpire services for property damage disputes across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California. When two sides disagree on the value of a property-damage loss, the appraisal clause offers a faster, fairer path to resolution than court. As an IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser and umpire, Xactimate estimator, and FAA Part 107 drone pilot, Marshall Smith brings an impartial, thoroughly documented valuation — serving property owners, contractors, public adjusters, attorneys, and insurance carriers alike. Roughly 95% of files are resolved without an umpire, settled between the appraisers, over 15+ years of experience with property damage claims. Appraisal is five steps to a binding resolution: the insured submits a demand letter and estimate, and the carrier has 20 days to appoint an appraiser; each party selects their competent, impartial professional appraiser; both appraisers inspect damages and gather evidence firsthand; the appraisers share findings, discuss scope discrepancies, and negotiate to reach consensus on claim value; and if needed, a neutral umpire renders a binding decision. What that gets you: resolution measured in months, not court calendars; a fraction of attorney costs, with better outcomes; credentialed appraisers, not adjusters with opinions; and a final decision both parties must honor. Six services cover Alternative Dispute Resolution end to end: claim dispute resolution under the appraisal clause, property insurance appraisals with Xactimate estimates, neutral umpire services, Xactimate estimating and damage documentation, consultation and expert witness testimony, and FAA Part 107 certified drone inspections. Every peril, residential and commercial: hail, wind, fire, water, hurricane, and flood damage to single-family homes, townhomes, commercial buildings, and multi-unit properties. Appraisal resolves the amount of loss, not coverage — if the carrier denies that the loss is covered at all, that is a different fight — and it is worth invoking when the disputed difference is significant and the position is documented. Faster and more cost-effective than litigation. Fair, binding results without expensive attorneys or years in court. Claim Dispute Resolution: When there's a disagreement over the value of a property insurance claim, the appraisal clause provides a structured, cost-effective resolution — professional ADR without the expense and delay of litigation. Property Insurance Appraisals: Impartial property damage assessments with Xactimate estimates for residential and commercial claims — hurricane, hail, tornado, flood, fire, and wind. Hire an insurance umpire: Independent resolution through neutral umpire services — a binding decision when the two appraisers cannot agree on the award amount. Xactimate & Documentation: Industry-standard Xactimate estimates with comprehensive damage documentation — accurate scoping, detailed reporting, and transparent communication throughout. Consultation & Expert Witness: Professional consultation for homeowners, business entities, attorneys, and public adjusters — plus expert witness testimony when appraisal cannot resolve the dispute. Drone Roof Inspection That Holds Up: FAA Part 107 certified aerial documentation of roof damage, structural assessments, and hard-to-reach areas — high-resolution, geotagged imagery that supports the claim. Every one of them is carried out by the same IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser and umpire — see About Marshall Smith, CPAU for the credentials and the record behind that work. Estimating is the service the other five lean on, and what an Xactimate estimate contains, line by line explains what the software actually produces. Documented scope. Photographs tied to location and date, a line-item estimate that prices what is actually damaged, and a clear explanation of why each item belongs in the scope. The appraiser's role is to determine the amount of loss, not to sell the repair. Independence from the repair work is part of what makes the valuation credible. You do not have to use a contractor we recommend. The IAUA CPAU designation covers both roles — appointed appraiser for one party, or neutral umpire when the appraisers cannot agree. Never both on the same claim. Xactimate estimating, drone documentation, and consultation are all available as standalone engagements, whether or not the claim ever goes to appraisal. Fees vary with the property type, number of structures, damage scope, travel, and complexity of the assignment. Marshall Services provides the engagement terms and fee structure before work begins. In an appraisal, each side generally pays its own appraiser, and the parties typically share the neutral umpire's fee if an umpire becomes necessary. Your policy governs how those expenses are allocated. Realistic timeline: 4–8 weeks for most engagements, longer on large or multi-building losses. This engagement window is distinct from the full policy-response timeline. Each region presents distinct perils, and each peril needs a different documentation strategy. In DFW and North Texas, test squares, hit density, and soft-metal collateral carry the hail file. Gulf Coast work addresses wind versus water allocation and windstorm policy specifics. Oklahoma work uses directional wind evidence and structural documentation. Colorado's steep-pitch and high-elevation roofs are aerially documented. California work documents smoke and structural loss, plus wind-driven debris impact. In disputed DFW hail claims, an independent roof inspection often creates the shared factual basis both appraisers work from. Detailed photographic evidence paired with line-item justification is what moves a file from argument to agreement. Public adjusters are among the parties these engagements are taken on for, and how an appraiser's duty differs from a public adjuster's is worth settling first. Complete statewide coverage throughout Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Midland, Sherman, Tyler and Galveston. Licensed to provide insurance appraisal services throughout Louisiana in compliance with state licensing requirements. Professional insurance appraisal services covering all areas of Colorado. Independent insurance appraisal and umpire services for wildfire, fire, wind, and water damage across California. Comprehensive insurance appraisal is available throughout Oklahoma. Coordinated appraisal services for large-scale insurance claims spanning multiple territories. Availability for a particular property depends on the assignment, travel, inspection needs, and scheduling. Contact the firm with the property location and claim type so it can confirm whether the assignment is within its current service area. Commercial Property Insurance Appraisal Multi-Family & Apartment Appraisal Fire Damage Insurance Appraisal Water & Flood Damage Insurance Appraisal Wind Damage Insurance Appraisal Tornado Damage Insurance Appraisal Hail Damage Insurance Appraisal

Real appraisal results: on a de-identified residential hail damage claim in Parker County, Texas, where Marshall Smith served as the policyholder's appraiser, the carrier's original offer was $8,901 and the final appraisal award was $99,980 — $91,079 above the original offer. On a de-identified residential hail damage claim in Ellis County, Texas, where Marshall Smith served as the policyholder's appraiser, the carrier's original offer was $864.55 and the final appraisal award was $52,033.87 — $51,169.32 above the original offer, resolved in August 2026. Every claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

The line between amount of loss and coverage

The appraisal clause is powerful because it is narrow. It resolves one question only: the amount of loss — the scope of damage and what it costs to repair or replace, stated in industry-standard line items. It does not decide whether a loss falls within your policy in the first place. Whether a peril is covered, whether an exclusion applies, and how policy conditions are read are separate determinations made by the carrier under the policy terms, and where the parties disagree on coverage, that dispute is resolved by a court — never by the appraisers or the umpire. If you are unsure whether a particular loss is covered, check your own policy and raise it with your carrier; appraisal settles the number, the policy and the carrier settle coverage. Keeping that boundary clear is often what keeps an engagement moving, because it lets both appraisers focus on scope and pricing rather than talking past each other.

What documentation actually moves an appraisal

The single most common question we hear is what evidence carries weight. Across our files, the appraisals that reconcile fastest share the same backbone: date-stamped, geotagged photographs tied to specific slopes and elevations; a consistent Xactimate scope with line-item justification rather than lump sums; and, where the cause or extent is contested, an independent expert assessment or supporting data. For hail, that means test squares and clear directional documentation of impact. For wind, structural photographs paired with wind-speed and event data from the date of loss. For water, moisture mapping and a moisture reading log that establishes the extent — and, separately, documentation bearing on the source, which is frequently where the disagreement actually sits. Bring your policy declarations, the original claim documentation, any prior estimates, and repair invoices if work has already been done. The more precisely the scope is described, the less there is to argue about.

When these losses tend to arrive

Timing shapes how these files are argued. In DFW and North Texas, the spring hail season runs heaviest from March through June, and disputes here typically turn on the extent of damage rather than its existence — how many slopes, whether accessories and soft metals are included, and matching. Gulf Coast hurricane and TWIA windstorm exposure concentrates from June through November, where wind-versus-water scope questions are common. Oklahoma sees tornado and hail through the same spring-to-early-summer window, Colorado carries a distinct high-elevation hail pattern into midsummer, and California fire and wind files cluster later in the year. Knowing the event date and pulling the storm record for it is often the first evidentiary step.

A representative DFW hail pattern

A recurring pattern in the DFW Metroplex illustrates how documentation resolves disagreement. In hail files where the two sides disagreed on how much of the roof and exterior was affected, the difference was closed not by argument but by evidence — detailed photographic documentation of each affected slope combined with an independent expert assessment of impact, priced out in transparent line items. Once the scope was documented that thoroughly, the appraisers reconciled without needing an umpire. Several of these engagements led the same property owners and referring professionals to return with later claims, which tells us the process held up.

After the award, and how to start

Once any two of the three panel members sign, the amount of loss is set and returned to the parties; the carrier then applies the policy's terms — deductible, depreciation, and any recoverable-depreciation provisions — to issue payment on covered items. To begin, one party invokes the clause in writing and names its appraiser; from there the defined naming window and inspection sequence already described on this page take over. If you are weighing appraisal, want an independent appraiser named, or need a neutral umpire, call 972-322-0752 or use our contact page. For location-specific detail, see our appraiser pages for Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley.

More on this site

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for insurance claims?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a faster, more cost-effective way to resolve insurance claim disputes without going to court. The insurance appraisal process is a form of ADR where both parties select independent appraisers to determine the fair value of your claim. This binding process typically costs $1,000-$5,000 and takes 90-120 days on average, compared to litigation which can cost $20,000-$50,000+ in attorney fees and take 1-3 years. ADR helps you avoid expensive lawyers while getting fair, professional resolution.

What should I do if my insurance company denied my claim or offered a low settlement?

If your insurance company denied your claim or offered a settlement lower than the damage warrants, you have options beyond hiring an expensive attorney. First, document everything with photos and contractor estimates. Then consider invoking your policy's appraisal clause - a powerful ADR tool that brings in neutral professionals to determine fair claim value. This process is binding, costs significantly less than litigation ($1,000-$5,000 vs $20,000-$50,000+), and resolves in weeks instead of years. We help homeowners and businesses resolve denied claims and undervalued offers through professional alternative dispute resolution.

How much does appraisal cost compared to hiring an attorney?

Insurance appraisal is significantly more cost-effective than hiring an attorney and going to court. Appraisal typically costs $1,000-$5,000 (you pay your appraiser, split the umpire fee), while hiring an attorney for litigation can cost $20,000-$50,000+ in legal fees. Beyond cost, appraisal resolves in 90-120 days on average versus 1-3 years for litigation. You get binding results without the expense and delays of lawsuits, depositions, and court proceedings. For most claim disputes over $5,000, appraisal delivers better ROI than the attorney route.

When is appraisal better than hiring a public adjuster?

Appraisal is often better than a public adjuster when coverage has already been opened up by your insurance company - meaning they've agreed to pay the claim but you disagree on the amount. Public adjusters typically charge 10-20% of your settlement and work best during initial claim negotiation. However, once coverage is established and it's purely a valuation dispute, the appraisal process is faster, more cost-effective, and provides binding resolution. For roof claims where the insurance company accepts coverage but undervalues the repair cost, appraisal is usually the superior choice.

How do I invoke the appraisal clause in my insurance policy?

To invoke the appraisal clause, send a written appraisal demand letter to your insurance company stating you're invoking the appraisal provision in your policy (usually found in the Conditions section). Within 20 days, each party must select a competent, impartial appraiser. The two appraisers attempt to agree on the loss amount; if they can't, they jointly select a neutral umpire. Two of the three parties must agree on the final award, which is binding. We can help you navigate this process, serve as your appraiser, and ensure you get fair valuation without expensive litigation.

What types of insurance claims does Marshall Services handle?

We specialize in property insurance claim appraisals including hurricane loss, hail storm loss, tornado loss, flooding, fires, wind damage, and other property losses. We provide Xactimate estimates and comprehensive damage documentation for commercial building owners, residential homeowners, public adjusters, and attorneys throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California.

What are the steps of an insurance appraisal, from demand to award?

The appraisal process begins when you submit a demand estimate detailing damages and costs. After 10 days, if unsatisfactory, you send a demand letter for appraisal. Each party selects a competent, impartial appraiser who will inspect damages, create positions, and attempt to reach agreement on the award amount. If they cannot agree, a neutral umpire makes the final binding decision. The insurance company then applies coverage and deductibles to the award.

How long does the insurance appraisal process take?

The appraisal process is typically faster than litigation. The timeline depends on the complexity of the claim and scheduling availability, but most appraisals are completed within 90-120 days on average. This is significantly quicker than court proceedings which can take years.

What is the role of an umpire in the appraisal process?

If the two appraisers cannot agree on the damage assessment or claim value, a neutral third-party umpire is brought in to review both positions and make a final decision. The umpire must be competent, impartial, and experienced. Both appraisers must agree on the umpire selection, and the umpire's decision is binding on both parties.

How much does an insurance appraiser cost?

Appraisal fees vary depending on the property type, damage scope, and complexity of the claim. Typical costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for larger commercial properties. Each party pays for their own appraiser, and both parties split the umpire's fee equally. We provide transparent pricing upfront and discuss all costs before beginning work.

What qualifications does Marshall Smith have?

Marshall Smith holds the IAUA CPAU (Certified Property Appraiser and Umpire) designation from the Insurance Appraisers & Umpires Association - the ONLY 501(c)(3) non-profit association focused solely on insurance appraisal. The designation requires certification coursework, an examination, adherence to the association's code of ethics, and periodic recertification. This dual certification means Marshall is qualified to serve as either your chosen appraiser OR as a neutral umpire when parties cannot agree. He also holds an active Texas Department of Insurance license number 1642160, and he is listed on the Texas Department of Insurance roster of appraisal umpires - the roster TDI draws on to appoint an umpire for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) claims when the two sides cannot agree on one. Placement on the roster is not an endorsement or certification by the Texas Department of Insurance. Combined with FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification and extensive experience across multiple states, Marshall brings documented professional qualifications, ethical standards, and advanced technology to every assignment. IAUA membership requires adherence to strict Code of Ethics and continuing education through nationally recognized organizations.

Do you provide umpire services?

Yes, Marshall Services LLC provides neutral third-party umpire services for insurance appraisal disputes. As a certified umpire, we review both appraisers' positions and render fair, impartial decisions when appraisers cannot reach agreement on claim values.

What areas do you serve?

We provide licensed insurance appraisal services throughout Texas (including DFW, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Galveston, Midland, Tyler, and East Texas), Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California. We handle both local assignments and multi-state projects for large-scale claims.

How does Marshall Services ensure fairness in appraisals?

We provide completely impartial and independent assessments based on industry standards, actual damage scope, and fair market repair costs. We are not influenced by insurance companies or any other parties - our sole focus is delivering accurate, professional evaluations that serve the interests of justice and fairness.

When should I invoke the appraisal clause?

You should consider invoking the appraisal clause when you and your insurance company have a significant disagreement on the claim value (typically $5,000+ difference), negotiations have stalled, or you cannot reach a fair agreement with your insurance company. The appraisal process is particularly effective for disputed claim amounts while avoiding costly litigation.

What's the difference between an insurance appraiser and a public adjuster?

The two roles do different jobs. A public adjuster represents the policyholder's interests and negotiates directly with the insurance company on coverage and settlement. An insurance appraiser is appointed after the appraisal clause is invoked and values the loss impartially - in that role we do not negotiate coverage or represent either party. Marshall Smith holds the single Texas adjuster license class, which does cover public adjusting; the license is active and anyone can check it on TDI's agent and adjuster lookup. He takes public adjusting work on occasion but does not market it: the practice he markets is neutral appraisal and umpire work — scoping damages and determining fair market value through the appraisal process — and he does not act as a policyholder's public adjuster on a claim where he is the appointed party appraiser or the umpire.