Sarasota Insurance Appraisal Dispute Lawyer
When policyholders and their insurance companies disagree on a claim, they might end up participating in appraisal. This is a method of resolving certain insurance disputes when the two sides disagree about the value of a claim. If you need legal assistance, contact Geyer Fuxa Tyler. A Sarasota insurance appraisal dispute lawyer is happy to meet for a consultation.
Understanding Appraisal
Appraisal is a method of resolving a specific dispute over the value of an insurance claim. If an insurer simply rejected coverage—arguing your claim falls outside the scope of the policy—then appraisal is not an appropriate dispute resolution technique.
Appraisal typically involves each side choosing an appraiser. The objective is for the appraisers to value the claim properly.
Suppose your home is damaged in a hurricane. You believe that you have suffered $250,000 in damage and are expecting your insurer to pay you that much. The insurance company believes your claim is worth only $150,000. In particular, they think that some personal property is salvageable and doesn’t need to be replaced. You might end up in appraisal, where professional, objective appraisers value the loss.
Is appraisal required? It depends on your contract. Look in the “Conditions” section. You might have agreed to participate in appraisal in event of a dispute. However, many Florida insurers have removed this clause from their insurance contracts.
Typically, a clause will empower either side to select appraisal. If chosen, then the other side is obligated to participate.
Currently, Florida law requires that each side participate in mediation before beginning the appraisal process. This is a way to seek resolution in a non-adversarial setting. Mediation typically involves discussing the case with a trained mediator, who might have solutions for finding common ground.
How We Help
Our firm can assist any policyholder who is contemplating appraisal:
- Analyze whether appraisal is required by the insurance contract or is an option;
- Determine whether either side has waived their right to an appraisal;
- Choosing an appraiser who is fair and competent to do the job;
- Participating in mediation, if necessary, to resolve a dispute without appraisal;
- Filing a lawsuit when litigation makes more sense.
These are some of the ways we help clients. Appraisal doesn’t work for everyone. There may be times where you would prefer to arbitrate or even litigate.
Call Us to Speak with a Sarasota Insurance Appraisal Dispute Lawyer
Disputes regarding the value of a claim are time consuming and stressful. Many policyholders don’t understand how their insurance carrier arrived at a number to represent the value of the claim. Call Geyer Fuxa Tyler today. Our firm has tackled the full variety of insurance disputes, including appraisal and mediation. Our firm can discuss what is happening and look over communications between you and your insurer.
If hired, we can help decide whether to force an insurer into appraisal or argue the other side waived their right. Each case is unique, and appraisal is sometimes the best way of resolving a dispute. Call to speak with a Sarasota insurance appraisal dispute lawyer.