Insurance Appraisal Questions from Illinois Owners

A process written into most property policies for resolving disagreements about the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, the appraisers pick an umpire, and an agreement signed by any two of the three sets the amount.

They’re similar but not identical. Appraisal is limited to the amount of loss and is usually less formal, with no discovery or testimony under oath. Courts treat the two differently in some respects.

Under most policies, either you or the insurer can demand appraisal in writing once you disagree on the amount of loss.

Most homeowners, condo, landlord and commercial property policies do. Some forms modify or omit it, so read your own policy’s conditions section.

Fee arrangements vary: flat fees, hourly rates, or a percentage of the increase. Each side pays its own appraiser. Get the arrangement in writing before work starts.

Usually the policyholder and the insurer split the umpire’s fee evenly.

Often not. If the gap is only a few thousand dollars, a documented supplement request may close it more cheaply. Our disputed-amount estimator helps you weigh the numbers.

Many residential appraisals finish in six to sixteen weeks after both appraisers are named. Large commercial losses or umpire hearings can take longer.

Not automatically. Illinois law can pause the limitation period between the time you file a proof of loss and the insurer’s denial, but how that applies depends on your facts. Talk to an attorney well before any deadline.

Some policies set one; many don’t. Courts may also consider whether a demand was made within a reasonable time. Don’t wait longer than you need to.

The Illinois Department of Insurance. It licenses insurers and adjusters and accepts consumer complaints about claim handling.

Section 155 of the Illinois Insurance Code allows a court, in a lawsuit, to award attorney fees and a limited additional amount when an insurer’s delay or refusal to pay is found to be vexatious and unreasonable. It’s a legal remedy decided by courts, not by an appraisal panel. Talk to an attorney about whether it applies to you.

The Illinois FAIR Plan Association provides basic property insurance for owners who can’t get coverage in the regular market. FAIR Plan policies have their own forms and conditions, which may handle disputes differently.

No. Illinois doesn’t have a separate state wind pool. Wind and hail are typically covered under standard homeowners and commercial policies, sometimes with separate deductibles.

Neither. We provide appraisal, estimate review and umpire services. We don’t negotiate claims outside appraisal or give legal advice.

Yes. We often work alongside contractors, public adjusters and attorneys, while serving in one defined role on each claim.

Yes. We work in all 102 Illinois counties, with regular work in the Chicago area, the Fox Valley, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign–Urbana, Bloomington–Normal and the Metro East.