Appraisal Clause or Right to Appraisal Alpharetta, GA

You may have heard of the term “appraisal clause” relating to insurance policies. Understanding this clause could help you navigate a dispute in your favor. The majority of insurance policies contain an appraisal clause or similar legal language.

This mechanism allows any concerned party to negotiate a settlement during a loss amount dispute. This clause involves the insured (you) and your insurer, allowing each party to settle disputes related to vehicle repair costs, diminished value and total loss value of the vehicle. You will typically see the clause in “Damage to Your Auto” in your policy.

Step 1: Invocation of the Appraisal Clause
The first step involves writing to your insurer, outlining that failure to resolve the dispute has led to you invoking the appraisal clause. You can send a physical letter by certified mail, a return receipt or via email. In the latter case, you should confirm receipt of your email with the claims agent dealing with your dispute.
Step 2: Appraiser Selection
Once the process commences, each party will choose an appropriate appraiser whose job it is to conduct a loss assessment. You will need to pay for the services of your appraiser, while your insurer carries the cost of hiring their own appraiser. It is essential that your appraiser has experience with the type of dispute and appraisal process in question. The individual will need to show objectivity and impartiality and should not have a working relationship with your insurance provider.
Step 3: Appraisal Clause Conclusion
Once both appraisers have conducted a loss appraisal, they will come together to discuss their different conclusions. This part of the process involves negotiating a mutually agreed upon monetary figure. Failure to agree will result in the mutual choice of a third-party appraiser, known as an umpire. Two of the three appraisers will decide on an amount, which becomes a binding agreement between all parties. In the process of making a decision, the umpire will assess the arguments of each of the other appraisers and may conduct a separate investigation. You and your insurance company will split the cost of paying this third appraiser.

If you need further information on the appraisal clause process in Georgia, reach out to Wreck Check Atlanta today.

Our happy clients!

Wreck Check Atlanta is the leader in Post Repair Inspections, Diminished Value Assessments and detecting Improper and Unsafe Repairs. Due to our success we have many satisfied clients that would like to tell you about their experience with our company.

  • Amazing! He told me early on how much money he was going to be able to get me and he was spot on. I paid a small fee to get thousands more in my diminished value claim than the insurance company was offering. Further, RJ was very easy to get in contact with. He responded to my emails almost instantly. The whole process went by so quickly once he was involved. I would recommend him to anyone.

    Hunter Owens
  • My insurance company offered me 37 bucks in diminished value. My case was slightly complex due to the insurance companies appraiser being stubborn and difficult. It had to be escalated to an unbiased umpire for a final binding decision. I wasn't expecting for it to go this far however it did. I ended up getting close to 3K back. RJ is extremely professional and he fights for you. The only issue to me is his preferred method of communication which is by email. Which i became accustomed to because he responds more prompt that way. He generated a 30 to 40 page report. He works extremely hard and for that I'm appreciative.

    Ricky Major
  • RJ is Awesome! He got me 10x what the insurance company offered on a 2 year old accident. Also, I traded the car in 7 months ago so I no longer had it. If I could share this experience with every person I see I would. I’ve already told several family and friends, it’s really just unbelievable to me! If you have any question what so ever, I promise his fee will be the best $275 you’ll ever spend!!

    Paras Raichura
  • Very responsive and professional. Helped me through the process step by step. I know that without their help I would not have gotten any money from the insurance company, literally pennies on the dollar without Wreck Check!

    Mayra Saldana
  • RJ Sweeney is very quick, effective, and efficient. He got me more money out of my car’s value after my insurance company low-balled me. Use him!!!

    Jessica Via
  • Helped us through the process. Very responsive. We were able to get more than we originally though. Thanks, RJ!

    Dani Senne
  • This was my first time working with a diminished value appraiser and RJ Sweeney made it an amazing experience. He helped me get 10 times the amount of the original offer from the insurance company

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