Insurance Appraisal Process FAQ

What documentation actually supports a property claim in appraisal?

Most disagreements that reach appraisal come down to evidence, not opinion. For hail claims across the DFW Metroplex and other parts of Texas, the strongest files pair close-up photographs of test squares on each roof slope with dated meteorological data — hail-size estimates, storm tracks, and radar-derived reports for the specific address. When those two sources agree, the scope conversation moves quickly. When only one exists, it tends to stall. Wind claims follow the same logic: directional damage photos, measured wind-speed data for the loss date, and, where structural elements are involved, an engineer's or qualified inspector's assessment. Non-hail losses — sudden water discharge, mechanical failures, and similar events — usually require a documented cause of loss, a repair estimate broken out by line item, and photographs taken before any mitigation covers the evidence.

Keep receipts for emergency mitigation, note the date you first discovered the damage, and preserve damaged materials when it is safe to do so. In appraisal, the panel evaluates the amount of loss, not the wording of the policy, so documentation that ties observed damage to a covered event on a specific date carries the most weight.

Why do two assessments of the same roof reach different numbers?

This is one of the most frequent questions we receive, and the answer is rarely bad faith on anyone's part. Assessments diverge because inspectors test different slopes, use different square sizes, disagree on whether marks are storm-related or from normal wear, or reference different storm dates. Rural and smaller-market properties in Texas can show wider variation simply because fewer comparable inspections exist nearby. Appraisal exists precisely to resolve these honest differences: each side names a competent, independent appraiser, the two appraisers attempt to agree, and any remaining items go to a neutral umpire. An agreement signed by any two of the three panel members sets the amount.

An anonymized DFW hail pattern

A recurring pattern across recent DFW-area residential hail files illustrates how documentation resolves scope disputes. In several cases, the initial estimate and the homeowner's contractor differed on how many roof slopes showed functional hail damage. Rather than argue interpretation, the appraisal panel worked from comprehensive, slope-by-slope photographs of marked test squares cross-referenced against radar-derived hail data for the documented storm date. Where the imagery and the weather record agreed, those slopes were resolved without further dispute; where they did not, the umpire's inspection settled the remaining items. Files built on that combination of photographic evidence and meteorological data tended to close cleanly — and several of those clients returned for later claims. The lesson is consistent: evidence gathered before repairs, tied to a specific storm, shortens the process.

What is the realistic order and timeline?

The sequence is predictable even when the duration varies. First, a party invokes the appraisal clause in writing and names its appraiser. The other party then names its appraiser, typically within the number of days the policy specifies. The two appraisers next select an umpire; if they cannot agree, a court may appoint one. Each appraiser inspects and prepares an estimate of the amount of loss, the appraisers confer to narrow their differences, and unresolved line items go to the umpire. When any two of the three sign an award, the process concludes and the carrier processes payment consistent with policy terms.

Straightforward residential claims with clean documentation often move from invocation to award in a matter of weeks. Complex commercial, multi-family, or coastal windstorm losses take longer, driven by inspection scheduling, the volume of disputed items, and umpire availability. You can shorten your own timeline by having your estimate, photographs, and weather data assembled before the panel is seated.

Does appraisal decide coverage?

No. Appraisal determines the amount of loss, not whether a loss is covered. Coverage questions — exclusions, causation disputes the policy carves out, or whether the appraisal clause applies at all — remain with the carrier and, if necessary, the courts. This is an important boundary: naming an appraiser does not waive either party's coverage position. If your disagreement is purely about dollars and scope, appraisal is usually the faster, less expensive path. If it hinges on whether the policy responds at all, that is a different question, and we are glad to talk through which situation you are in before you invoke. Call 972-322-0752 to discuss your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the insurance appraisal process?

Appraisal is a fair, binding way to resolve disagreements with your insurance company about how much your covered loss is worth (not whether the damage is covered). It's built into most Texas homeowners policies as an alternative to lawsuits.

Each side picks an independent appraiser to review the damage and agree on a fair amount. If they can't agree (which happens only about 5% of the time), a neutral umpire helps decide.

Who pays for what?

• You pay for your appraiser (that's us). • Your insurance company pays for theirs. • If an umpire is needed, the cost is split 50/50 between you and the insurance company.

No attorney fees are required — appraisal is designed to be simpler and less expensive than going to court.

How long does the whole process take?

Typically 90–120 days from start to finish, but it can vary based on schedules, complexity, and how quickly everyone responds. Our goal is always to keep things moving efficiently with our proprietary technology.

How do I start the process?

Sign the sample demand letter we provide, attach your contractor's estimate, and send it to your insurance company (via certified mail or email — keep proof). This officially invokes appraisal.

By Texas rules, they usually have 20 days to name their appraiser after receiving it.

What happens after I send the demand letter?

1. The insurance company should confirm they received it. 2. They appoint their appraiser (within ~20 days in most policies). 3. Forward their response (confirmation, appraiser name/contact, or any document) to us right away. 4. Once both appraisers are appointed, we inspect the damage and work toward an agreement.

What is my only real responsibility after sending the demand?

If the insurance company doesn't name their appraiser by the 20-day mark (or whatever your policy states), you need to follow up with them directly by phone or email.

Due to impartiality rules, we can't do this for you, and your contractor can't either. This is usually the only action required from you.

Can the appraisal decide if my damage is covered?

No — appraisal is only for the amount of loss (scope and cost) when coverage is already accepted. It doesn't resolve coverage disputes (e.g., "Is this excluded?").

If there's a coverage issue, talk to your agent or an attorney.

Will I get more money than the insurance company's offer?

No outcome is guaranteed, but appraisal often helps because it bases the decision on facts, evidence, and fair market value — not just the insurance company's internal guidelines.

Many clients see fairer results this way.

What if the appraisers can't agree?

We select a neutral umpire together (costs split 50/50). The umpire reviews the evidence and helps decide on a fair amount.

Again, this is rare — only about 5% of cases need one.

Are appraisers impartial?

Yes — by law and ethics, appraisers (including us) must be independent and impartial. We advocate for a fair valuation of your loss based on evidence, but we don't act as your contractor, adjuster, lawyer, or advocate in a biased way.

What if I have questions during the process?

Just reach out anytime — email us at Info@marshallservicesusa.com, call 972-322-0752, or message us. We're here to explain things clearly and keep you updated every step of the way.

What documentation actually supports a property claim in appraisal?

Most disagreements that reach appraisal come down to evidence, not opinion. For hail claims across the DFW Metroplex and other parts of Texas, the strongest files pair close-up photographs of test squares on each roof slope with dated meteorological data — hail-size estimates, storm tracks, and radar-derived reports for the specific address. When those two sources agree, the scope conversation moves quickly. When only one exists, it tends to stall. Wind claims follow the same logic: directional damage photos, measured wind-speed data for the loss date, and, where structural elements are involved, an engineer's or qualified inspector's assessment. Non-hail losses — sudden water discharge, mechanical failures, and similar events — usually require a documented cause of loss, a repair estimate broken out by line item, and photographs taken before any mitigation covers the evidence. Keep receipts for emergency mitigation, note the date you first discovered the damage, and preserve damaged materials when it is safe to do so. In appraisal, the panel evaluates the amount of loss, not the wording of the policy, so documentation that ties observed damage to a covered event on a specific date carries the most weight.

Why do two assessments of the same roof reach different numbers?

This is one of the most frequent questions we receive, and the answer is rarely bad faith on anyone's part. Assessments diverge because inspectors test different slopes, use different square sizes, disagree on whether marks are storm-related or from normal wear, or reference different storm dates. Rural and smaller-market properties in Texas can show wider variation simply because fewer comparable inspections exist nearby. Appraisal exists precisely to resolve these honest differences: each side names a competent, independent appraiser, the two appraisers attempt to agree, and any remaining items go to a neutral umpire. An agreement signed by any two of the three panel members sets the amount.

What is the realistic order and timeline?

The sequence is predictable even when the duration varies. First, a party invokes the appraisal clause in writing and names its appraiser. The other party then names its appraiser, typically within the number of days the policy specifies. The two appraisers next select an umpire; if they cannot agree, a court may appoint one. Each appraiser inspects and prepares an estimate of the amount of loss, the appraisers confer to narrow their differences, and unresolved line items go to the umpire. When any two of the three sign an award, the process concludes and the carrier processes payment consistent with policy terms. Straightforward residential claims with clean documentation often move from invocation to award in a matter of weeks. Complex commercial, multi-family, or coastal windstorm losses take longer, driven by inspection scheduling, the volume of disputed items, and umpire availability. You can shorten your own timeline by having your estimate, photographs, and weather data assembled before the panel is seated.

Does appraisal decide coverage?

No. Appraisal determines the amount of loss, not whether a loss is covered. Coverage questions — exclusions, causation disputes the policy carves out, or whether the appraisal clause applies at all — remain with the carrier and, if necessary, the courts. This is an important boundary: naming an appraiser does not waive either party's coverage position. If your disagreement is purely about dollars and scope, appraisal is usually the faster, less expensive path. If it hinges on whether the policy responds at all, that is a different question, and we are glad to talk through which situation you are in before you invoke. Call 972-322-0752 to discuss your claim.