Why start with a review
Not every low offer is worth an appraisal. Sometimes the carrier missed a room; sometimes the gap is depreciation that will be released once repairs are done. A focused insurance estimate review separates those situations so you only pursue appraisal when the numbers justify it.
What we look at
- Scope. Are all damaged areas, materials and quantities included?
- Pricing. Do unit costs reflect your local market, whether that is Manhattan, the Southern Tier or the North Country?
- Labor and logistics. Are minimum charges, access, permits and debris removal accounted for?
- Overhead and profit. When a general contractor is reasonably needed, is it included?
- Depreciation. Is depreciation applied sensibly and is the holdback clearly shown?
- Policy limits and endorsements. Are ordinance-or-law, sewer backup or other sub-limits applied correctly?
What you receive
A written summary listing the key differences between the carrier’s estimate and what we see, an honest view of whether appraisal is worthwhile, and a list of documents that would strengthen your position. If the gap is small, we will say so. Our settlement gap and fee estimator helps you weigh the cost of appraisal against the potential difference.
We also flag anything that looks like a coverage problem rather than a pricing one, such as an exclusion the insurer relied on or a sub-limit that caps a category regardless of cost. Appraisal cannot fix those issues, and knowing that early can save time and fees. In those cases we suggest a conversation with a New York attorney, or explain the differences between appraisers, public adjusters and lawyers so you can choose the right help. Our aim is to give you a clear picture of where you stand, even if the honest answer is that the insurer’s number is close to fair.
Using the review with your insurer
Many reviews end with a supplement request rather than appraisal. Regulation 64 (11 NYCRR 216) sets claim-handling standards for New York insurers, including timeframes for responding to claimants, and a clear supplement with documentation often moves a claim forward. If the insurer will not engage, we can move on to appraisal clause representation.
When to ask for a review
As soon as you receive the insurer’s estimate and it looks low, before you sign any release or accept a final payment. Waiting can make it harder to reopen the claim, and many New York policies limit lawsuits to two years from the loss. Have questions first? Send them through ask an appraiser.
Questions about insurance estimate review
Is an estimate review the same as appraisal?
No. A review is an independent check of the carrier’s estimate. Appraisal is the formal process under your policy’s appraisal clause.
Can the review be used to negotiate with my insurer?
Yes. Many owners send the findings as a supplement request, and some claims resolve without appraisal.
Do I need my policy for a review?
It helps. Declarations pages and endorsements show limits, deductibles and coverage features that affect how the estimate should be written.