The Costs
Cost Calculate
Appraisal Cost
An average appraisal for a homeowner claim will cost between $1,000 to $3,250.
The insured pays the full cost of an appraiser directly hired by the insured.
Our typical Appraiser fees are between $900.00 and $2,500.00.
We may charge an hourly fee in lieu of our fixed fee. Our hourly rate is between $195+ an hour.
The insured also pays 50% of the umpire fees. The umpire is the third party in the panel selected by agreement of the two appraisers directly hired.
Umpire fees are $1000 on the low end and $5000 on the high end, according to the claim.
It is rare that an umpire will charge an hourly fee. The variables in these fees reflect the different types of appraisals. Roof appraisals are typically less expensive than fire damage appraisals.
Most umpires require a payment in full prior to the appraiser panel.
For our appraisal serives, we require a payment prior to the panel or a partial payment with the final amount additional hourly cost (if exceeding the partial payment) paid upon completion.
A statutory requirement for appraisers and umpires is that they are to be disinterested party.
In a legal sense, this means the appraisers and umpires have no financial interest in the outcome of the panel. Therefore, payment prior to appraisal is indicative of no financial interest.
In addition to appraiser fees there may be expert witness or testimony fees for engineers and/or contractors. Insured may hire an attorney to review and/or supervise the full process but this is not required.
Appraisal can be a relatively inexpensive way to settle a claim but the key to a successful outcome is having the right appraiser, Who then selects the right umpire
