Appraisal & Disputed Claims
Appraisal is a policy-provided process for resolving a disagreement between a policyholder and insurer over the value of a covered loss, without going to court.
Most commercial property policies include an appraisal clause specifically for situations where coverage isn't in dispute but the dollar value is — each side selects an appraiser, the two appraisers select a neutral umpire, and the panel resolves the valuation. This page is for a policyholder whose own claim is stuck, underpaid, or headed toward appraisal; Continental Adjusters also serves as an independent umpire in disputes between other parties, which is covered separately on the Umpire and Appraisal Services page. Continental Adjusters advocates for the policyholder through the appraisal process itself, and provides expert witness testimony if a dispute proceeds past appraisal into litigation.
Appraisal & Disputed Claim Types
When Appraisal Applies
Clarifies when a policy's appraisal clause can be invoked, typically when coverage is agreed but the value is disputed.
Selecting an Appraiser
Guides policyholders through choosing an appraiser to represent their interests in the appraisal process.
The Appraisal Process
Explains how the appraisal panel and neutral umpire work to resolve a valuation dispute.
Negotiation & Litigation Support
Provides an alternative or next step when appraisal isn't the right fit for a disputed claim.
Denied Claims
Addresses claims denied outright, which follow a different path from claims that are simply underpaid.
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Why Continental Adjusters
25+ Years, $4B+ Recovered
Continental Adjusters LLC has represented commercial policyholders for more than 25 years and collected over $4 billion in settlements nationwide.
Policyholder-Only Representation
Continental Adjusters never represents insurance carriers and holds no financial interest in repair work tied to any claim it handles.
In-House Forensic Accounting
Continental Adjusters quantifies business interruption and lost-income claims using its own forensic accounting team rather than outsourcing the analysis.
Full-Service Claim Support
Continental Adjusters supports policyholders from initial claim review through negotiation and appraisal, providing umpire proceedings or expert witness testimony when a dispute requires further resolution.
No Upfront Cost
Continental Adjusters works on a contingency basis, so policyholders pay nothing until their claim is recovered.
Office Park Tornado
Continental was engaged 10 months after the loss and negotiated a 72% increase over the insurer's initial offer, the kind of gap that often heads toward appraisal before it's resolved.
How It Works
Free Claim Review
Continental Adjusters reviews the policy and loss details at no cost to determine whether the claim is being fairly valued and whether appraisal or another resolution path may be appropriate.
Property Inspection & Documentation
A Continental Adjusters representative reviews the available damage documentation and inspects the property, bringing in engineering or trade experts when the loss requires it.
Loss Valuation
Continental Adjusters prepares a detailed valuation of the covered loss using documented damage, repair and replacement costs, and forensic accounting analysis when business interruption or lost income is involved.
Claim Negotiation & Appraisal
Continental Adjusters negotiates with the insurer on the policyholder's behalf. When coverage is agreed but the value remains disputed, the appraisal process may help resolve the disagreement.
Resolution or Further Action
Continental Adjusters supports the policyholder through settlement or appraisal. If the dispute continues, support may include umpire proceedings or expert witness testimony when the matter proceeds to litigation.
Cost
Continental Adjusters works on a contingency-fee basis in most engagements, so a policyholder pays nothing upfront — the fee is a percentage of the amount recovered, and Continental is only paid once the claim is. Fee structures and statutory caps vary by state; see the relevant state resource page for specifics.
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