A house fire can easily be one of the most traumatic events in anyone's life. The damage caused by a fire can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed, not to mention the financial strain it puts on you and your family.
After a fire, an appraisal is a process used to determine the value of the damages incurred; but who pays for this process? Insurance policies exist to provide a safety net during these situations, but you may be surprised to learn that the insurance companies aren’t actually on your side!
Our experienced adjusters explain what an appraisal is for, and who is responsible for paying for it.
Always call a public adjuster first before filing a claim, such as us here at Liberty Adjusters!
Who Pays for Appraisal After a House Fire?
The answer varies depending on your insurance policy. Some policies include an appraisal clause, which allows either party to request an appraisal to determine the value of the damage. In these cases, both the insurance company and the policyholder are responsible for paying their respective appraisers' fees.
Appraiser vs. Adjuster
While an appraiser and an adjuster may seem similar, they serve different roles in the claims process. Although adjusters do assess the cost and extent of damages, their main purpose is to represent the policyholder's interests and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Despite this, we can act as your appraiser in the claims process, however, we must be "disinterested". This means we can not act as a public adjuster and then switch roles to the appraiser; we have to be one or the other.
Liberty Adjusts Can Help with Your Fire Claim
In the face of a housefire, it's important to remember that you're not alone; there are many resources available to help you navigate the claims process. At Liberty Adjusters, we're committed to providing our clients with the best possible service and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.