Florida insurance appraisal FAQ

Appraisal is a process built into most property insurance policies for resolving disagreements over the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, the appraisers try to agree, and an umpire settles anything they cannot. An award signed by any two of the three usually sets the amount. Read our appraisal process page for the details.

No. Appraisal generally decides how much the covered damage is worth, not whether it is covered. Denials, exclusions and alleged policy violations are coverage issues that are typically resolved separately, often with the help of a Florida attorney.

Awards are generally binding on the amount of loss, and courts set them aside only in limited circumstances. The insurer may still raise coverage defenses it preserved, and payment is reduced by the deductible and prior payments.

Each side usually pays its own appraiser, and umpire costs are typically split under the policy. Fees depend on the size and complexity of the claim. We discuss our fee in writing before any engagement and compare it against the realistic disputed amount. Try the appraisal worth-it calculator for a rough first look.

When we serve as your appraiser, no. Most policies require appraisers to be disinterested, so we charge for our time and work rather than a share of the award.

Sometimes not. If the net gap after the deductible and prior payments is small, appraisal costs may consume most of any difference. DFS mediation or a documented re-inspection request may be a better first step.

It varies with the policy deadlines, the size of the loss and whether an umpire is needed. Simpler residential files can move in weeks; large commercial or condominium losses often take longer. We give a realistic estimate once we review the file.

Florida law generally requires that new or reopened residential claims be reported within one year of the date of loss and supplemental claims within 18 months, following the 2022 reforms. Your policy may add its own conditions. Use our claim deadline calculator as a rough guide and confirm with your policy or an attorney.

Hurricane deductibles in Florida are commonly 2%, 5% or 10% of your Coverage A dwelling limit, and for many policies they apply once per calendar year rather than per storm. See our hurricane deductible guide and the hurricane deductible calculator.

Flood is covered separately from homeowners wind coverage, typically through the NFIP or a private flood insurer. NFIP policies have their own appraisal and appeal procedures that differ from homeowners policies. Private flood policies vary. Check the flood policy itself.

The Florida Department of Financial Services runs a residential property mediation program for many disputed claims. A neutral mediator helps you and the insurer try to settle. It is non-binding and generally low-cost for the policyholder.

Florida’s 2022 and 2023 reforms repealed one-way attorney fee shifting for most property insurance claims. That has made pre-suit options like appraisal and mediation more important for many policyholders. For questions about legal fees, talk with a Florida attorney.

Yes, we can review Citizens claims. Citizens policies have their own dispute-resolution terms that differ from many private carriers, and those terms can change between policy forms, so we start by reading the specific Citizens policy that applies.

The full policy with endorsements, the insurer’s estimate and payment letters, any contractor estimates, photos and your correspondence with the adjuster. If you do not have everything yet, send what you have and we will tell you what is missing.

Yes. We regularly coordinate with a client’s public adjuster or attorney, serving as appraiser, umpire or estimate reviewer while they handle their own roles. We are not a law firm or public adjusting firm.

All of Florida, from Pensacola to Key West, for residential and commercial properties. Call +1 (844) 537-1427 or contact us online.