Independent Insurance Appraiser &
Appraisal Services To Resolve Insurance Claim Disputes In
VA, Virginia

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.

Fairfax, VA - Circuit Court Rules In Favor Of Policyholder Relating To Appraisal Clause

Virginia (VA) policyholders can use their insurance policy's Appraisal Clause to determine the amount of loss on all property claims. One Fairfax, VA homeowner was granted the use of the Appraisal Process by the courts. The Appraisal Panel will decide whether the policyholder has suffered $60,000 in repairs, or the $439,000 he claims it will take.

Virginia Statute § 38.2-2105 requires that all insurance policies are to include an appraisal clause. The clause allows either party to request an appraisal on the "amount of loss," by submitting a written demand to the other. That process calls for each side to choose an independent appraiser, and the appraisers or a court to jointly choose an impartial and competent "Umpire."

In Coates v. Erie Ins. Exchange (VLW 009-8-251), the insurance company believes the storm surge damage to the electrical system within the Coates' home could be replaced without removing walls, trim, etc. that has not suffered damages. However, the homeowner's advised that the county building codes required that the walls be open to provide a complete and thorough inspection of the replaced wiring. When Mr. Coates invoked his right to submit the differences via the Appraisal Clause, the insurance company rejected, saying the parties' dispute was over a coverage issue, not the "amount of loss."

According to Fairfax Circuit Judge Michael P. McWeeny, the phrase "amount of loss" has not been defined in the insurance policy, nor has it been defined within the Virginia Code, or defined by a Virginia court. The Judge ruled that the "amount of loss," is not a "coverage issue," as proposed by Erie Insurance, but rather a question of what must be done to adequately repair the damaged items.

The Coates' argued that they were eligible for the process of appraisal because the insurance company already had agreed to coverage on their loss. But Erie argued that the "amount of loss," referred to the value of each item covered under the policy, which makes the dispute a coverage issue and coverage issues are not subject to appraisal.

Fairfax, Virginia (VA) attorney Stephen A. Horvath, who represented Erie, agreed that insurance companies are as likely as policyholders to invite the appraisal process, "it's a system designed to bring about a quick determination of disputes." However, in this case, "there was an issue concerning how you go about making repairs and what had to be done, which were not standard functions for appraisal," says Harvath.

Judge McWeeny drew an analogy from the Coates case to a case where the Texas Supreme Court decided earlier this year. In the Texas case, a roof sustained hail damage of he policyholders roof. The court ruled that appraisal was proper to determine whether undamaged portions of the roof would need to be replaced in order to repair or replace the damage caused by the hail.

The dispute in the Texas case "is of a substantially similar character to whether undamaged walls must be replaced in order to adequately fix an electrical system and return the premises to the pre-damaged condition," McWeeny wrote.

In the end, the Virginia (VA) judge granted summary judgment to the policyholders, allowing the Appraisal Process to continue as per their policy.

If you need insurance claims help for property damage in VA (Virginia) that is a result of fire; water, flood, wind, hail, snow, hurricane, or tornado - you too can use the Appraisal Clause in your policy to obtain a fair and impartial award on your claim damages. Feel free to visit our services page for a list and description of how we can assist you.

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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 VA

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 VA 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 Virgina (VA), 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.