Resources
Start with the process, then read the clause
These resources explain the language and records that control an appraisal. They are written for the property owner, association board, manager, attorney, or public adjuster who has to make a decision from a real claim file.
General information is not a substitute for your policy. Your policy controls.
Core guides now in the package
- Insurance appraisal. The service, the fit test, and the appraiser's work.
- How appraisal works. Demand, selection, inspection, impasse, and award.
- Appraisal demand. What happens after appraisal is invoked.
- Appraisal award. Signatures, payment, challenges, and the record after the award.
- ACV and RCV. Depreciation, deductibles, prior payments, and payment after award.
- Process comparison. Appraisal, litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
- FAQ. Direct answers to the first questions.
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FEMA's own summary of the standard flood policy, in plain language: what it covers, what it excludes, and how a flood claim works. Eight pages, no charge. Get it on the flood guide page and trade your name and email for the download.
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Plain-language glossary in production
The published glossary will define each term by its role in a property claim:
- Appraisal: the policy process used to determine the amount of a covered loss.
- Umpire: the third panel member who helps resolve items the appraisers cannot settle, subject to the policy's award rule.
- Mediation: a facilitated negotiation that produces a settlement only if the parties agree.
- Arbitration: a decision process conducted by an arbitrator under the authority that created the proceeding.
- ACV: actual cash value, as defined by the policy and applicable law.
- RCV: replacement cost value, as defined by the policy.
- Depreciation: a reduction for age, condition, use, wear, useful life, or obsolescence when the governing valuation method applies it.
- Amount of loss: the value of covered damage determined through the claim or appraisal process.
- Appraisal demand: the notice or agreement that invokes the policy's appraisal process.
Guides in production
- Reading an appraisal clause.
- Documents to gather before appraisal.
- Appraiser compared with public adjuster.
- Appraisal compared with mediation and litigation in more detail.
- Roof appraisal records.
- Commercial and hurricane appraisal records.
- Scope compared with coverage.
- Matching and code records.
- Comparing two estimates.
- Common appraisal mistakes.
Ask from a real file
The best resource topics come from real disputes. Send a question with your review request. If it affects other property owners, it may become a guide without using your name or claim details.