Common questions about our appraisal and umpire services
Midwest Estimating primarily serves Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri. Our team holds licenses and has experience working claims across many states. If you have a claim outside our primary service area, contact us to discuss — we may still be able to help.
The appraisal process is a dispute resolution mechanism built into most property insurance policies. When you and your insurance carrier disagree on the value of a claim, either party can invoke the appraisal clause. Each side selects an appraiser, and the two appraisers attempt to agree on the loss amount. If they can't reach agreement, a neutral umpire is brought in to make the final determination.
Once retained, we conduct a thorough on-site inspection, prepare a detailed Xactimate estimate, and negotiate with the opposing appraiser on your behalf to reach a fair appraisal award.
An umpire is a neutral third party who steps in when the two appraisers — one representing the policyholder and one representing the insurance carrier — cannot agree on the value of a claim. The umpire reviews both positions, conducts an independent inspection, and works with the panel to develop a fair appraisal award.
The umpire does not advocate for either side — their role is to ensure a fair, evidence-based outcome. Midwest Estimating has extensive experience working within the appraisal panel process and can help you understand how the umpire stage works if your claim reaches that point.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the claim, scheduling availability, and the responsiveness of the opposing party. A straightforward residential claim may be resolved in a few weeks, while larger or more complex commercial claims can take longer.
We prioritize moving efficiently through every engagement. Once retained, we typically schedule the on-site inspection within days and deliver the completed estimate promptly. The negotiation phase with the opposing appraiser is often the variable that affects overall timeline.
A public adjuster is hired to manage your entire insurance claim from start to finish — filing paperwork, negotiating with the carrier, and advocating on your behalf throughout the claims process. They typically charge a percentage of the final settlement (often 10–20%).
An appraiser, on the other hand, is retained specifically for the appraisal process — the formal dispute resolution step that occurs when you and your carrier can't agree on the value of a loss. Appraisers work within the appraisal clause of your policy and typically charge a flat fee or hourly rate rather than a percentage of the award.
If your claim is already in dispute and you've reached the appraisal stage, an appraiser is likely what you need. If your claim hasn't been filed yet or you need help managing the entire process, a public adjuster may be more appropriate.
Appraisal fees vary based on the complexity of the claim, the type and size of the property, and the location. Most residential appraisals fall in the range of $1,000 to $3,000+, though larger or more complex claims may be higher.
We provide a clear fee structure upfront before any work begins so there are no surprises. Contact us with details about your claim and we'll provide a quote tailored to your situation.
No, the policyholder does not need to be present during the property inspection. However, if there is interior damage, the policyholder must allow access to the property so that the damage can be properly viewed and documented. We'll coordinate scheduling to make access as convenient as possible.
If your claim has been denied coverage entirely, the appraisal process is not the right path — appraisal only deals with the pricing of items that are already covered under your policy, not whether coverage applies in the first place. A coverage denial is a separate legal matter.
However, if your carrier has accepted coverage but you disagree with the amount they're offering, that's exactly what the appraisal process is designed to resolve. Contact us and we can help you determine whether appraisal is the right option for your situation.
Yes. In addition to insurance appraisal and umpire services, Midwest Estimating has the capability to provide insurance claim adjusting services and claim consulting services. These services are handled on a case-by-case basis.
If you're interested in learning more, contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can help.