Frequently Asked Questions

An insurance appraisal is a dispute resolution process outlined in most property insurance policies. When the policyholder (insured) and the insurance company (insurer) cannot agree on the amount of a covered loss, either party may invoke the appraisal clause to resolve the disagreement. It addresses the amount of loss only — not coverage disputes. The process involves each side selecting a qualified, competent appraiser, and the two appraisers selecting a neutral umpire to resolve any differences.

1. Either the insured or insurer makes a written demand for appraisal, citing the policy's appraisal clause.
2. Each party selects a competent and impartial appraiser within the timeframe specified in the policy (typically 20 days).
3. The two appraisers attempt to agree on a competent and impartial umpire (typically within 15 days).
4. If the appraisers cannot agree on an umpire, either party may petition a court to appoint one.
5. Each appraiser independently evaluates and sets the amount of loss.
6. If the appraisers agree, that amount becomes the binding loss determination.
7. If the appraisers cannot agree, they submit their differences to the umpire.
8. A decision agreed to by any two of the three (two appraisers, or one appraiser and the umpire) sets the amount of loss.
9. Each party pays their own appraiser; the cost of the umpire is typically shared equally.

The appraisal clause is a provision found in most property insurance policies that provides a mechanism for resolving disputes about the amount of loss. While it is often one of the smallest clauses in a policy, it can be one of the most powerful tools available to both the insurer and the insured for reaching a fair and expedient resolution. The exact language varies by policy and state, but typically outlines the process for selecting appraisers and an umpire, timeframes, and cost-sharing arrangements.

An appraiser is selected by one of the parties (either the insured or the insurer) to independently evaluate and determine the amount of loss. Each side selects their own appraiser. The umpire is a neutral third party selected by both appraisers (or appointed by a court) who makes the final determination when the two appraisers cannot agree. The umpire must be competent, disinterested, and impartial.

When properly executed, an appraisal award is generally binding on both parties as to the amount of loss. However, it is important to note that appraisal addresses the amount of loss only — it does not determine coverage questions, which remain subject to the policy terms and applicable law.

You should seek an appraiser who is qualified, experienced, and has a thorough understanding of the appraisal process, construction practices, and property loss evaluation. Key qualifications include: construction or insurance restoration experience, familiarity with estimating software (such as Xactimate), knowledge of the appraisal process and applicable laws in the relevant jurisdiction, and a track record of fair, impartial evaluations.

An umpire should be competent, disinterested (having no financial interest in the outcome), and impartial. It is important to conduct a thorough vetting process including conflict of interest checks, experience verification, and qualification review. The umpire should have deep knowledge of construction, property damage evaluation, and the appraisal process itself. Look for someone recognized as a subject matter expert with a proven record of fair and just determinations.

The right to demand appraisal is governed by your specific insurance policy language and applicable state law. Generally, either party may demand appraisal when there is a disagreement about the amount of loss on a covered claim. Some policies and jurisdictions may have specific timing requirements or conditions. It is advisable to review your policy language and consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.

Typically, each party (insured and insurer) pays for their own appraiser. The costs of the umpire and other appraisal expenses are generally shared equally between the parties, as specified in the policy's appraisal clause.

The appraisal process can be used for a wide range of property loss disputes including structural damage, contents and personal property, business personal property, loss of use and additional living expenses, business interruption, co-insurance penalties, and depreciation calculations. Losses can range from small residential claims to large commercial losses exceeding tens of millions of dollars.

The CSI Group, LLC is an independent construction consulting firm founded in 2006 by John C. Robison. The firm specializes in property loss evaluation, providing construction consulting, property loss appraisal, umpire, and alternative dispute resolution services within the insurance and construction industries. The company was founded upon the principles of truth, honesty, and integrity.

The CSI Group provides:

• Property Loss Appraisal services
• Neutral Umpire services
• Arbitration services
• Mediation services
• Litigation Support and Expert Witness testimony
• Loss Consulting and Building Consulting
• Project Audits / Clerk of the Works
• Probable Maximum Loss evaluations

Services are available throughout the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, US territories including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and select international countries and territories.

The CSI Group has provided services across a wide range of property types including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, hospitals, hotels, apartment complexes, government buildings, educational facilities, historical buildings, manufacturing plants, and residential properties, among many others.

Yes. John C. Robison is the Founder and Head Educator of the Appraiser & Umpire Certification Programs provided by The Property Loss Appraisal Network (P.L.A.N.). Over 800 industry professionals have been certified through this program since 2017.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a range of processes and techniques that parties can use to settle disputes with the help of a third party, without going to court through traditional litigation. Common forms of ADR include appraisal, arbitration, and mediation. ADR is increasingly being adopted as a tool to help settle disputes alongside the court system.

Arbitration is a form of ADR where disputes are decided by one or more arbitrators who render an arbitration award. Unlike appraisal, which addresses only the amount of loss, arbitration can address broader contractual disputes. An arbitration decision is generally legally binding and enforceable in the courts. The CSI Group is registered with the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution for Arbitration.

Mediation is a form of ADR where an impartial third party (the mediator) assists disputing parties in reaching a voluntary agreement through structured communication and negotiation. Unlike arbitration or appraisal, mediation is typically non-binding — the mediator facilitates discussion but does not impose a decision. The process is private, confidential, and focused on helping parties find their own resolution.

A Clerk of the Works is an independent professional employed to represent the interests of the client on a construction or restoration project. Their role includes verifying equipment usage, employee work logs, materials used, job progress against invoices, permitting and inspections, scope compliance, OSHA safety compliance, insurance certificates, and performing total job cost audits. This service is particularly valuable for large commercial remediation and restoration projects being performed on a Time and Material basis.

Probable Maximum Loss is a service that assists both insureds and insurers with calculations of reserves, co-insurance penalties, depreciation assessments, and the cataloging of pre-loss tangible assets. This helps establish a comprehensive picture of potential loss exposure.

You can reach The CSI Group by phone at 1-844-CSI-INFO (1-844-274-4636), by email at info@csigroupna.com, or by visiting the office at 401 E Main Street, Canton, GA 30114. You can also use the contact form on the Contact page of this website.

The CSI Group provides on-site services throughout the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and US Territories. The firm has worked in response to major catastrophic events nationwide, including Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael, Ida, and many others, as well as tornadoes, floods, and other disasters across the country. Select international services are also available.

The CSI Group distinguishes itself through its commitment to impartiality and non-bias, its guarantee of work backed by licensed contractors nationwide, and its policy of not operating to generate commissions or billable hours. The firm is not tied to any sister construction or mitigation company, ensuring independence. With over 1,000 appraisals presided as Neutral Umpire and large loss evaluations exceeding $50M+, the firm brings extensive, verifiable experience to every engagement.