For public adjusters and attorneys
An appraiser of record the carrier cannot object to
You know how appraisal works. What you need is an appraiser whose estimate holds up under the other side's review, whose independence is clear on paper, and who arrives with the file read. Here is how we work on those files.
Why appoint us
- Experience on both sides. We are appointed by carriers on a regular basis as well as by policyholders. We know the carrier appraisers in this market, how they build their positions and what moves them.
- Independence in writing. The engagement letter states that we have no financial interest in the outcome and no relationship with the referring party that would affect our judgment.
- Complete estimates. Line-item estimates with current regional pricing, roof measurements, photographic documentation and depreciation applied as the policy provides. Prepared in the software carriers use, so the comparison is line for line.
- Umpire-ready presentation. Estimate, photo narrative and a side-by-side comparison with the opposing estimate, so the umpire rules on differences rather than re-adjusting the claim.
What to expect
- Within one business day of receiving the file, a view on whether the dispute is genuinely about amount.
- An engagement letter the same day if we proceed.
- Inspection scheduled promptly after the carrier names its appraiser, jointly when possible.
- An umpire proposed early, with two or three names both sides have worked with.
- Written status every two weeks, or on the schedule you prefer.
- Clean closing documents: declaration of appraiser, award with replacement cost and actual cash value, photo report, and the estimate file on request.
Files we decline
Appraisal is for disputes about the damage, its cause and its cost, with a scope that can be documented. We will decline, or return the file to you, when:
- The dispute is policy interpretation, such as an exclusion or late notice, presented as a damage or amount question.
- The policyholder expects the appraiser to advocate, negotiate or guarantee a result.
- We have a conflict on the carrier side of the same claim or the same policyholder.
For public adjusters: appointing an appraiser who is independent of your firm removes the carrier's easiest objection to the award. We are glad to serve as your overflow and conflict appraiser and will keep you informed throughout, while the appraisal itself remains independent.
Umpire work
We also accept umpire appointments on residential and light commercial hail, wind and water losses in Colorado where we have no relationship with either party. Umpire services.
Have a file to discuss?
Send the carrier's estimate, your estimate and the declarations page to Appraisals@HeidmannAndAssociates.com, or call 770.906.4262.