Barcus Arenas
No Fees. No Risk. We Only Get Paid If You Win. (800) 941-1041 Get Free Consultation
Call Now

Appraisal Disputes Lawyer in Houston

Start Your Claim Review
Appraisal Disputes Lawyer in HoustonBarcus Arenas - Founders
On This Page
  1. Understanding the Appraisal Process in Property Insurance Claims
  2. What is Appraisal?
  3. How the Appraisal Process Works
  4. What are the Pros of Appraisal?
  5. What are the Cons of Appraisal?
  6. Who are Appraisers?
  7. Benefits of Hiring an Appraisal Disputes Lawyer from Barcus Arenas, PLLC
  8. Get a Free Consultation With Our Houston Appraisal Disputes Lawyers

Policyholders usually encounter disputes in their insurance claims over the value of their damaged or lost items. This disagreement between policyholders and insurance companies often results in delays in the process, but luckily, an appraisal disputes lawyer in Houston from Barcus Arenas, PLLC can help.

Are you considering an appraisal for insurance claims? The insurance company will have experienced attorneys working behind the scenes to protect its interests during this process.

Shouldn’t you? Get a free consultation with our Houston insurance claims lawyers; we have nearly two decades of experience handling disputes.

Understanding the Appraisal Process in Property Insurance Claims

When a property insurance claim is disputed, one common method for resolving the disagreement is through appraisal. The appraisal process is built into most property insurance policies and is designed to provide a faster, less formal resolution than litigation.

For a free legal consultation with an appraisal disputes lawyer serving Houston, call (800) 941-1041

What is Appraisal?

Appraisal is a contractual process used to determine the amount of loss in a property or homeowners’ insurance claim. It does not decide coverage—only the value of the damages or repairs.

If you and your insurance company cannot agree on how much the loss is worth, either party may demand appraisal (depending on the policy language).

Houston Appraisal Disputes Lawyer Near Me
(800) 941-1041

How the Appraisal Process Works

The appraisal process follows a structured series of steps designed to fairly determine the value of property damage.

Selection of Appraisers

Each side selects an appraiser: you choose one, and the insurance company chooses one. The appraisers must be impartial and cannot have a financial interest in the outcome.

Selection of an Umpire

The two appraisers then attempt to agree on a neutral third party, called an umpire. If they cannot agree, a court may appoint one.

Evaluation of the Loss

Both appraisers independently assess the damage and attempt to agree on the value. If they agree, that number becomes binding. If they disagree, the umpire reviews the differences and issues a decision.

Final Award

A decision signed by any two of the three (the two appraisers, or one appraiser and the umpire) becomes the binding appraisal award. The insurance company is then required to pay the award, subject to policy terms and deductibles.

Click to contact our Houston Insurance Claims Lawyers today

What are the Pros of Appraisal?

Appraisal offers several advantages that can make resolving property damage disputes faster, more cost-effective, and more certain, including:

  • Faster resolution: This process is often much quicker than a lawsuit.
  • Cost–effective: It is less expensive than full-blown litigation.
  • Final and binding in Texas: Appraisal provides closure regarding the amount of the loss because the award is binding on both sides.
  • Expert involvement: Appraisers are typically experienced in construction, repair, or insurance adjusting.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

What are the Cons of Appraisal?

Despite its benefits, the appraisal process also has limitations and potential drawbacks that homeowners and business owners should be aware of:

  • Limited scope: Appraisal only decides the value of damages, not whether coverage exists. Coverage disputes may still end up in court.
  • Costs add up: Each party must pay its own appraiser, and both usually split the umpire’s fee. Homeowners can expect to incur a few thousand dollars in appraisal costs. Depending on the size and complexity of the loss, business owners can incur five and six-figure appraisal costs.
  • Potential delays: If there is a dispute over selecting an umpire or appraisers drag their feet, the process can take longer than expected.
  • Extinguishment of bad faith claims in Texas: Even when your insurance company has unequivocally acted in bad faith towards you, if the appraisal process is invoked, they may be able to escape from being held accountable for their actions. If you have been the victim of bad faith, contact us.

Who are Appraisers?

An appraiser who oversees the appraisal process in an insurance policy is not the same “appraiser” used to give an estimated value of a home or business.

In the appraisal process under insurance policies, an appraiser for insurance claims is qualified to give an opinion about how much damage there is to property and how much it would cost to repair or replace it.

Appraisers are often insurance adjusters, public adjusters, contractors, building consultants, or engineers.

Benefits of Hiring an Appraisal Disputes Lawyer from Barcus Arenas, PLLC

Facing a property appraisal dispute can be complicated and stressful, but having an experienced attorney on your side makes a significant difference in achieving a fair outcome.

At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, we focus on protecting your interests and guiding you through every step of the appraisal process.

Here are just some of the advantages of working with our experienced team:

  • Free consultations: Our appraisal disputes lawyers in Houston offer a no-obligation consultation to review your case and explain your options.
  • No fees unless you win: Our firm operates on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if you recover.
  • Client–focused boutique firm: We provide personalized attention and prioritize your needs above all else.
  • Nearly two decades of combined experience: Our lawyers bring extensive knowledge and proven experience in property appraisal disputes.

Get a Free Consultation With Our Houston Appraisal Disputes Lawyers

Appraisal can be a powerful tool for resolving disputes over the value of property damage. However, it’s not always the best option in every case.  You can learn more by getting a free consultation with our knowledgeable team.

At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, an experienced appraisal disputes lawyer in Houston can help you determine whether an appraisal is right for your claim and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. For more information, visit our FAQ page.

Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • An appraiser for the purposes of the appraisal process in an insurance policy is not the same "appraiser" used to give an estimated value of a home or business. In the appraisal process under insurance policies, an appraiser is someone who is qualified to give an opinion as to how much damage there is to the property and how much it would cost to repair or replace the damaged property. Appraisers are often insurance adjusters, public adjusters, contractors, building consultants, or engineers.

  • The appraisal process is governed by the language in your specific policy. Generally, it involves both the policyholder and the insurance company selecting a “disinterested” appraiser to determine the accurate amount of loss. The appraisers then try to come to an agreement as to the amount of loss. If they are unable to do so, they would need to agree on an umpire to form a three-personal panel. The panel would then evaluate the loss and render a binding decision as to the amount of loss.

  • The insurance company should pay the binding award, plus interest. Depending on what State the property is located in, other penalties may also apply. After receiving an appraisal award (and/or payment thereof), policyholders should confer with legal counsel to determine if any other remedies are applicable to their case.

  • Appraisal usually takes place outside the court system; and, without experienced judges protecting and following the rule of law. Insurance companies have utilized the appraisal process for years to their benefit and have their go-to appraisers. You should ensure you have a qualified appraiser for insurance claims who is experienced and understands the appraisal process as well.

    You should also be wary if the insurance company asks you to sign a release in exchange for it making an appraisal award payment. You are not required to sign a release following appraisal (or before) and should not do so without consulting with an attorney. It is not a required condition of appraisal that you sign a release.

    The laws governing the appraisal for insurance claims are evolving.

    The purpose of the appraisal was initially to help promote the resolution of claims without the involvement of expensive litigation and attorneys. Unfortunately, the process of appraisal (and the resulting necessary litigation) has made this area of law much more complex. At all times, you should understand that the insurance company almost certainly has a lawyer working behind the scenes to guide this process, and so should you. At Barcus Arenas, PLLC we are always up to date with the most recent laws in this area and can adequately ensure you are not unfairly taken advantage of.

Frequently Asked Questions
Houston Insurance Claims Blog Posts:
Pipe Burst Insurance Claim: The Basics Policyholders Need to Know Pipe Burst Insurance Claim: The Basics Policyholders Need to Know

As Houston and the Gulf Coast braces for a rare winter snow storm, policyholders should focus not only on protecting
Houston: The Epicenter for Natural Disaster? Houston: The Epicenter for Natural Disaster?

As the United States grapples with increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters, one city finds itself at the
Rodriguez v. Safeco: Why Accepting the Appraisal Award May Cost You Attorney’s Fees Rodriguez v. Safeco: Why Accepting the Appraisal Award May Cost You Attorney’s Fees

As a Texas policyholder, understanding your rights regarding insurance claims, especially those involving the appraisal
Where to
Find Us
2200 North Loop West, Suite 108,
Houston, Texas 77018, United States
administration@barcusarenas.law (800) 941-1041
Let’s Talk Strategy.
Your Case Starts Here.

You’ve paid your premiums. You deserve your payout. Let’s make it happen.

    No fees unless we win. Maximum compensation.