Insurance Arbitration & Appraisal Services

The appraisal clause is a provision in most property insurance policies that provides a method for resolving disputes over the amount of loss when the policyholder and insurance carrier cannot agree on the value of damages. Either party can invoke the appraisal process, which involves each side selecting an appraiser. The two appraisers then attempt to agree on the amount of loss; if they cannot, they select an umpire whose decision (when agreed upon by either appraiser) becomes binding.

An appraiser represents one party's interests in the appraisal process - either the policyholder or the insurance carrier. The appraiser evaluates the damage, prepares estimates, and negotiates with the opposing appraiser to reach agreement on the loss amount. An umpire is a neutral third party selected when the two appraisers cannot agree. The umpire reviews both positions and makes a binding decision. Frank Bragano serves in both capacities depending on the engagement.

Frank Bragano brings unique dual expertise to insurance appraisals. From 1982-1989, he served as a Commercial Property adjuster for Allstate, understanding how carriers evaluate claims. He later became an Executive General Adjuster for CJW-Vericlaim/Sedgwick, handling major commercial losses. Combined with 43+ years of construction experience and $25M+ in completed projects, he understands both the insurance and construction sides of every dispute - making him uniquely qualified to render fair, informed appraisal decisions.

The appraisal process is typically faster and less expensive than litigation. It's appropriate when the dispute is solely about the amount or value of loss - not coverage issues. If your carrier has accepted coverage but you disagree on the repair/replacement costs, depreciation, or scope of damage, appraisal is often the better path. However, if the dispute involves coverage denial, bad faith, or policy interpretation, those issues cannot be resolved through appraisal and may require litigation.

The timeline varies based on complexity and cooperation between parties. Simple residential claims may resolve in 30-60 days. Commercial or large-loss appraisals typically take 60-120 days. Factors affecting timeline include property accessibility, documentation availability, opposing appraiser responsiveness, and whether an umpire must be selected. We work efficiently to reach fair resolutions without unnecessary delays.

We serve as appraiser for both policyholders and insurance carriers, as well as serving as a neutral umpire when both appraisers cannot agree. Our extensive experience on both sides of insurance claims - as a carrier adjuster and as a construction professional advocating for property owners - allows us to understand and fairly evaluate both perspectives. Our commitment is to accurate, defensible valuations regardless of which party retains us.

We handle appraisal services for all types of property damage claims including hurricane and wind damage, hail damage, water damage and flooding, fire and smoke damage, tornado damage, roof damage, structural damage, and building envelope failures. Our expertise spans both residential and commercial properties, from single-family homes to large commercial buildings and multi-family complexes.

To begin, we typically need: the insurance policy (especially the appraisal clause), the carrier's estimate and any correspondence, your contractor's estimate or scope of work, photos and documentation of damage, any engineering or inspection reports, the written demand letter invoking appraisal, and information about the opposing appraiser if already selected. The more documentation available upfront, the more efficiently we can proceed.

An appraisal award, once signed by the umpire and one appraiser (or both appraisers), becomes binding on both parties for the amount of loss. If the carrier fails to pay the awarded amount, the policyholder can file a breach of contract lawsuit to enforce the award. Courts generally uphold appraisal awards unless there's evidence of fraud, bias, or failure to follow proper procedures. The award significantly strengthens any enforcement action.

Appraisal fees are based on hourly rates for case review, inspections, estimate preparation, negotiations, and any umpire proceedings. Complexity and claim size affect total cost. We provide fee estimates after initial case review and require a retainer to begin work. For umpire engagements, fees are typically split between both parties. Specific rates and terms are provided during initial consultation.