Leveraging Your Right to Appraisal
Oklahoma Appraisal Clause
The appraisal clause allows you, the policyholder, to demand an appraisal of the loss when there is a disagreement.
Such a disagreement can happen for various reasons and is more common than you may think – but the bottom line is that you must be treated fairly. Each party selects a competent and unbiased appraiser to evaluate the loss to ensure this is the case independently.
The appraisers may not be capable of achieving an exact answer. If the two appraisers cannot reach a consensus, a neutral umpire is also chosen to determine the proper amount of damage if they cannot agree.
What is the Appraisal Clause
The appraisal clause allows you, the policyholder, to demand an appraisal of the loss when there is a disagreement.
Each party selects a competent and unbiased appraiser to evaluate the amount of the loss independently.
A neutral umpire is also selected to determine the correct amount of the loss if the two appraisers cannot agree.
When to Use
- When insurance refuses to pay a portion of the repair bill.
- Insurance refuses to pay towing and storage.
- The insurance offers less for your vehicle in a total loss.
Benefits
- Low Cost
- Quick Process
- Legally Binding
How Can the Appraisal Clause Help Me?
As your policy will show, you don’t always have to accept what the insurance company tells you. Suppose your insurance company refuses to pay for the proper repairs to your vehicle. In that case, the appraisal clause can help by giving you the right to an appraisal, an arbitration process listed in your policy.
We can bridge the gap between what an insurance company will pay for and what a repair shop charges by using this right to appraisal. Your car’s value may be much greater than the sum your insurance company specifies.
Various options may be available in your policy, and it likely includes an appraisal clause. Contact us for a free consultation to see how we can assist with your claim.
Appraisal Clause Process
Hire an appraiser
It's vital to know the true value of your vehicle. Make sure to hire a competent, independent appraiser to calculate the value - contact us today for a free consultation.
Inform your insurer
In writing, notify your insurer of your intent to exercise your right to appraisal and whom you have engaged.
We handle the rest
We will take care of the details for you. We'll work with your insurance company's appraiser directly to agree on the value of your vehicle.
Options to Get Your Claim Paid
Shop Choice
You have the right to choose your shop and cannot be required to travel an unnecessary distance for estimates. Click the icon above for a breakdown of the statute by state.
File a complaint
An alternative option is to file a formal complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Click the icon above for a direct link to the Oklahoma Insurance Department complaint form.
Litigation
There is the option to file suit against the person who hit you. Most of these claims are in small claims court, and an attorney is not required. Oklahoma Small Claims includes any civil case under $10,000.
Appraisal Clause
A final option is to invoke your right to appraisal and hire an independent appraiser to handle the discrepancy. This option can only be used in first-party claims and always carries some risk.