Independent Insurance Appraiser &
Appraisal Services To Resolve Insurance Claim Disputes In
OK, Oklahoma

You Shouldn't Have To Fight For Your Claim Settlement. However, If You Do... Appraisal Is The Way To Do It! If you are unsure of how the entire Insurance Appraisal Process works you can visit here for a more detailed explanation.

Appraisal Clause Protects Policyholders In Oklahoma (OK)

The goal for both the insurance company and the insured should always be to obtain a prompt, fair resolution of a property damage claim. Should not matter if the claim has to do with hail, fire, water, flood, theft or any other loss. However, in the real world disagreements and disputes on how much damage there is and the amount needed to complete the repairs often occurrs. It is a State Statute that all property policies in Oklahoma (OK) includes a clause called Appraisal. It is designed to allow an affordable, less time consuming process to resolve such differences. We have seen appraisal used in $100,000,000.00 claim disputes and as little as a $5,000.00 disagreement.

The Supreme Court in Oklahoma (OK) has ruled the party who requests or invokes the Appraisal clause is bound by the decision. This also means that the party that has not initiated the appraisal is not. The ruling is fair to both the insurance companies as well as the policyholders. See, appraisal awards and settlements are binding. The ruling by the court means that neither party can be forced into a binding appraisal award as the right to jury trial is a constitutionally protected right in Oklahoma (OK).

If one party feels the need to invoke appraisal and force the other side into the appraisal process, then that party must agree to be bound by the decision of the independent appraisers and/or umpire. On the other hand, if one is forced to go through the insurance appraisal process, they will not be bound by the decision and can appeal in court. 

Does the insurance appraisal process always work? Just like any case in a court of law or other dispute resolution devices like arbitration or mediation, it's not guaranteed. One side will feel as if they have lost. However, when you wish to resolve a dispute without the delays associated with the courts, the need for depositions, expert witnesses, and legal maneuvering, the Oklahoma (OK) appraisal process works as a less expensive and less time consuming alternative for people.

While care should be given to the choice of both the appraisers and the umpire, I have witnessed situations in which there was so much maneuvering by the participants the parties ended up in litigation.  Both sides clearly want their own appraiser to be competent and knowledgeable, but it is also important to have one that is reasonable and fair-minded.  If both sides merely hire their own advocate to serve solely as their "fighter in the ring" it creates more disputes for resolution by the umpire.  Locating an umpire who has some experience can be extremely beneficial.  Since the umpire's job is strictly intended to resolve disagreements between the appraisers, prior experience in how appraisals function is helpful.  More important is willingness to listen, fairly look at the circumstances, and make a rational decision.

Having personally served as an umpire as well as an appraiser, there is a responsibility that you feel as an umpire to try and do the right thing.  In particular, I recall one situation in which the appraisers with me acting as the umpire essentially reached a conclusion unanimously as to the amount.  The determination was exactly the midpoint between the polarized positions of the parties.  I recall thinking before the award was entered that we would probably hear grumbling that we simply "split the baby" and divided everything down the middle.  I personally disdain the practice of some umpires submitting a decision in the middle to avoid the appearance of showing favoritism.  The practice of "splitting the baby" is not the purpose of appraisal.  The job of the umpire is to make the right decision.  He should not be concerned with future work from the parties or making either side unhappy.

At the end of the day, the insurance company, adjusters, attorneys, and policyholders owe a duty to attempt to reach results that are fair and appropriate for all the damages associated with the claim.

Independent Insurance Appraisers OK - County:

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Insurance Appraisal Services Is What We Do!

Insurance Appraisal Services We Provide!

Step one of our insurance appraisal services is to obtain as much documentation that is available on the claim being disputed. We will collect a copy of the insurance companies estimate, the policyholder's estimate, as well as any other documentation that is available. We will vigorously review and inspect each estimate line-by-line for discrepancies.

The insurance appraisal services process will continue with a complete and thorough inspection of the property that has been damaged. This thorough inspection will be conducted, room by room, and piece by piece (or any remaining parts). We will conduct this inspection with the two different estimates that are being disputed. With these estimates in-hand during our inspection we can determine if one estimate has missed items to be addressed and/or if the other is excessive.

Our insurance appraisal services inspection will include 50 to 300 photos (depending on the size of the loss and extent of damage). These photos will prove and support our findings. The photos will be taken in a manner that supports our position of whether items can be saved or will require replacement. The photos will also show cause and affect damages. Yes, the bricks on the exterior of a home or building may not appear damaged. However, if the sheathing/plywood behind the brick is smoked and damp - the bricks will require removal to access other repairs.

Some rooms or even an entire building may be damaged beyond recognition. In these cases our insurance appraisal service will include an interview process with the owners of the property to confirm room layouts, types of wall and floor finishes, electrical items, cabinetry, and more. This type of questions and answer session will paint a clear picture of the TRUE value of the damages. The proper value of the claim depends on it's accuracy.

All the data collected from our insurance appraisal services will then be programmed into the Xactimate estimating software. Xactimate configures and displays the data in the exact format that the insurance companies require. Line by line, piece by piece, the exact square feet of drywall, paint, wallpaper, carpet, etc., will be calculated for a real and accurate cost to settle the claim. In fact, Xactimate is used by more than 70% of insurance companies.

Any items that are in question will be reviewed by our group of engineers, building inspectors, or contractors as additional documentation to support the true repairs. Foundations, brick, support beans, electrical may require removal and may not meet current building codes. These professionals can advise on ways to keep these types of materials or why they will require replacement.

After all this has been completed we will meet with the other parties appraiser and discuss each others findings. In some cases an agreement cannot be reached between the two appraisers. In the event this happens, the two appraisers will submit their differences to the Insurance Appraisal Umpire. (For more information about the appraisal umpire and what their job is in the process, visit here.)

Hire ICG, Inc. As Your Independent Appraiser In OK

Please call (919-669-9111) or Email Us to discuss your insurance appraisal services needs. If we agree to be your insurance claim appraiser you must formally advise the other party (insurance company or policyholder) that we will be acting in your behalf. To appoint us as your appraiser we'd like to make this process as easy as possible; below are copies of two letters depending on your current situation. Choose the letter that is correct for your current situation.

Please Note: The letters are for homeowners, contractors, PA's or attorneys; as insurance companies already know the process of how to invoke the appraisal clause.

• Option ONE: If your insurance company has sent you a letter invoking appraisal and you need to reply to the letter naming your own insurance claim appraiser - then you need to download and open our Insurance Appraisal Clause Reply Letter. This document will advise the insurance company that you accept their intent to invoke the appraisal clause. The letter has been pre-written to name Joe Brennan of Insurance Claims Group, Inc. as your insurance appraiser. Open the document and fill in your personal information. Once the form is complete it should be sent to the insurance company via certified mail!
  
  
• Option TWO: If you disagree with your insurance companies analysis of your claim and you wish to invoke the insurance appraisal clause yourself - then you need a letter advising the insurance company that you wish to forward your claims dispute to the appraisal process. Download our Insurance Appraisal Services Letter to notify your insurance company of your intent to invoke appraisal. This document will advise the insurance company that you wish to execute the appraisal clause in your policy. The letter has been pre-written to name Joe Brennan as your insurance appraisal services appraiser. Open the document and fill in your personal information. Once the form is complete it should be sent to the insurance company via certified mail!
  
  
• If you need assistance with either letter; another option is to request that we fill in all the appropriate information for you. We will create the letter and email you a copy. You will then be able to print the letter and send an original copy to the insurance company via certified mail! Please call (919) 669-9111 or email us to request assistance.
  

Contact Us For Interview!

Is Joe Brennan and the Insurance Claims Group team the right fit for your OK insurance appraisal services needs? How do you know unless you ask? Please feel free to contact me by email to set up a date and time to to discuss your Insurance Appraisal needs. Or, call me directly at (919) 669-9111. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can.

Independent Insurance Appraisal Services!

The Insurance Claims Group, Inc. can answer insurance claim related questions and provide advice and assistance for insurance claim damages that are a result of fire, smoke, wind, water, flood damage, hail, theft, hurricane, and even denied claims. The following is a list of professional services we provide:

• Appraisal Umpire: In the event that a policyholder or the insurance company invoke the appraisal clause the two independent appraisers must choose an umpire. Most policies require that the two appraisers must select and agree upon an Appraisal Umpire within 15 days of the two appraisers being named. The chosen Appraisal Umpire must be an impartial, unbiased, and disinterested party in the outcome of the appraisal award. Our extensive experience with building repairs and the insurance appraisal process qualifies us as a choice above all to act as an Insurance Appraisal Umpire to resolve insurance claim disputes. [More..]
  
  
• Independent Appraiser for Insurance Appraisal Clause: The Appraisal Clause can be invoked by either the insurance company or policyholder. The Appraisal Process is to resolve disputes only. To resolve such disputes, each party must choose an independent appraiser. An independent appraiser is an individual that is hired to resolve insurance claim disputes. Insurance Claims Group, Inc. exceeds in their knowledge of the appraisal process and is available to represent the facts of the loss on your behalf. [More...]
  
  
• Insurance Claim Estimate: We provide inspection and complete insurance claim damage estimates for policyholders of homes and businesses, insurance attorneys, repair contractors, and insurance companies. [More...]
  
  
• Insurance Appraisal & Estimating Assistance: In some cases contractors, attorneys, or appraisers may need assistance in preparing a defense for their claim. They may have questions or need advise on some parts of the estimate or damage. We provide consulting and evaluation assistance for any part of a claim you may require answers for. If we can't answer your questions we can refer you to someone who can. [More...]
  
  
• Claims Consultation: Many times policyholders and contractors are unsure if damages are covered, if there are coverage limits, or find themselves overwhelmed with the complexity of the insurance claim process. In some cases the insurance companies may use industry terms or insurance lingo that can be confusing. We provide information on the insurance claims process, policy interpretation, estimates and estimating, as well as the insurance appraisal process, and umpire services. Educate yourself and understand how to obtain the correct settlement for your home and business insurance claims. [More...]
  
  
• Insurance Replacement Cost Valuation: Is your home properly insured? Do you have enough coverage to replace your home or building after a loss. Finding out that you are under insured after a large fire, flood, or hurricane can be devastating. We will provide an inspection of your home or building, take photographs, and provide a fully detailed replacement cost estimate. You can then make an educated decision on how much coverage you need for your property. Not too little, and not too much. [More...]

We provide Independent Insurance Appraisal Services in Oklahoma (OK), as well as 30+ other states throughout the US. Visit our service area map. Please feel free to gather information from our services and articles, or jump right in with any questions you may have by submitting on the questions page. We are here to help in any way we can.