How Do I Dispute an Insurance Claim? Florida Insurance Claim Appraisal

If you recently filed an insurance claim and do not feel that you are receiving the proper repairs or fair offer from your insurance company in South Florida, there is an option available to dispute the claim offer. This option is actually provided in your insurance policy, under what is called the “Appraisal Clause.” Often overlooked, this provides you the right under Florida law to dispute your insurance claim without the requirement of hiring an expensive attorney and waiting years to litigate in the Courts.

How do you dispute a claim? Well the typical “appraisal clause” states:

"If you and we disagree on the amount of loss, either may make written demand for an appraisal of the loss. In this event, each party will select a competent and impartial appraiser. The two appraisers will select an umpire. If they cannot agree, either may request that selection be made by a judge of a court having jurisdiction. The appraisers will state separately the amount of loss. If they fail to agree, they will submit their differences to an umpire. A decision agreed to by any two will be binding. Each party will: (a.) Pay its chosen appraiser; and (b.) Bear the other expenses of the appraisal and umpire equally. If there is an appraisal, we will still retain our right to deny the claim."

So as policyholder, you will need to first hire a qualified “competent” Insurance Appraiser. It is highly recommended to retain a licensed Florida Public Adjuster, which will satisfy the requirement for competency.

As a licensed and bonded Florida Public Insurance Adjuster, I utilize my 18 years of experience and industry connections to navigate the entire process from beginning to end, and get you the settlement you deserve! You may review my resume here. (Insert link). You may also contact me at 954-978-0886 to discuss your claim, I provide free consultation and can explain the options you may have regarding Appraisal.

Upon hiring me, I can provide you your “written demand for appraisal”, which will name me as your designated appraiser and also request that your insurance company immediately issues you a check for the undisputed amount of their offer. This will provide you an initial amount of proceeds to utilize as needed until the appraisal process is complete. Upon the completion, a binding appraisal award will be issued, for which your insurance company is mandated by Florida Insurance law to pay you right away.