Insurance Appraisal
When the Claim Is Disputed, Appraisal Resolves It.
Vectrum Risk Services provides neutral umpire and appraiser services for residential and commercial property insurance disputes under the appraisal clause — structured, documented, and binding.
Appraisal Is Not Public Adjusting.
Public adjusting is policyholder advocacy — we represent you, document your loss, and negotiate your settlement. Insurance appraisal is a different process entirely. It is a formal dispute resolution mechanism built into most property insurance policies.
When a policyholder and their carrier cannot agree on the amount of a loss, either party may invoke the appraisal clause. Each side selects a competent appraiser. Those two appraisers then select a neutral umpire. The umpire's role is to review both positions and issue a binding award when the appraisers cannot agree.
Vectrum serves in both roles — as the policyholder's appraiser and as a neutral umpire — depending on the engagement.
What Appraisal Resolves
The appraisal process determines the amount of loss only — it does not resolve coverage disputes, policy interpretation questions, or liability issues.
Triggered When
- Carrier and policyholder disagree on the loss amount
- Settlement offer is significantly below documented damage
- Claim has stalled without resolution
- Either party formally invokes the appraisal clause
Binding Outcome
An agreement signed by any two of the three parties — the two appraisers or the umpire and either appraiser — constitutes the final, binding loss amount.
How Vectrum Engages
Two Roles. One Standard.
Engaged by the policyholder
Policyholder's Appraiser
When you invoke appraisal, you need a competent appraiser to represent your position on the amount of loss. Vectrum brings HAAG-certified inspection credentials and 15+ years of insurance industry experience to that role — producing a documented, defensible appraisal of the loss.
Jointly selected by both appraisers
Neutral Umpire
When both parties have selected their appraisers and cannot agree, a neutral umpire is required. Vectrum serves as umpire on residential and commercial property disputes — reviewing both appraisers' positions, conducting independent field assessment where warranted, and issuing a binding award.
The Process
How the Appraisal Process Works
Appraisal Clause Invoked
Either the policyholder or the carrier formally invokes the appraisal clause in the policy. Both parties then select their own competent appraiser within the timeframe specified.
Appraisers Selected
Each side names their appraiser. If Vectrum is engaged as the policyholder's appraiser, we review the claim file, inspect the property, and prepare a documented appraisal of the loss amount.
Umpire Selected
If the two appraisers cannot agree, they jointly select a neutral umpire. Vectrum is available to serve in this role on disputes where neither party's appraiser is affiliated with us.
Award Issued
The umpire reviews both positions and issues a binding award. An agreement signed by any two of the three parties — the two appraisers or the umpire and either appraiser — constitutes the final loss amount.
Scope
Appraisal Scope
The appraisal process determines the amount of loss only — it does not resolve coverage disputes, policy interpretation questions, or liability issues. Those matters remain with the parties and, if necessary, the courts.
Property Types
Damage Types
Fees & Engagement
Engagement & Pricing
Appraisal engagements are priced based on property type, complexity, and the scope of documentation required. Residential assignments typically start at $2,500. Commercial and multi-building disputes are quoted individually.
Appraisal services are subject to availability and conflict-of-interest review. Vectrum does not serve as umpire on disputes where Vectrum served as an appraiser for either party.
Starting at
Residential appraisal engagements
Commercial & Complex
Multi-building and commercial property disputes are quoted individually based on property type, number of structures, and scope of documentation required.
Appraisal vs. Public Adjusting — At a Glance
Insurance Appraisal
Public Adjusting
Purpose
Resolve a dispute over the amount of loss
Maximize and manage your claim settlement
When it applies
After a coverage dispute or settlement disagreement
From first notice of loss through settlement
Who Vectrum represents
Neither party (umpire) or policyholder (appraiser)
The policyholder exclusively
Outcome
Binding award on the amount of loss
Negotiated settlement with the carrier
Fee structure
Flat fee starting at $2,500
8.5% contingency — no upfront cost
Request an Appraisal Consultation
Contact Vectrum to discuss your dispute, your property, and whether appraisal is the right path forward.