July 13, 2026 · ACI Adjustment Group
Sometimes a claim is not a fight over whether the damage is covered — it is a fight over how much the covered damage is worth. When that happens, many Pennsylvania policyholders do not realize their own policy contains a mechanism built to resolve it: the appraisal clause.
What the appraisal clause is
The appraisal clause is a provision in most property insurance policies that gives either side a way to resolve a disagreement about the amount of a loss. It is a contractual process, not a lawsuit, and it is generally faster and less adversarial than litigation. Whether and exactly how it applies depends on your specific policy language, so it is worth reading that section carefully.
When it applies — and when it doesn't
Appraisal is meant for disputes over the amount or value of a loss, not over whether something is covered in the first place. If the disagreement is about coverage — whether the cause of loss is included at all — appraisal usually is not the right tool, and those disputes are handled differently. Knowing which kind of disagreement you have is the first step.
How the process generally works
In a typical appraisal, each side selects its own independent appraiser, and the two appraisers select a neutral third party, often called an umpire. The appraisers assess the loss; where they disagree, the umpire helps resolve it, and an agreement by any two of the three generally sets the amount. The details and any timing are governed by your policy.
How a public adjuster fits in
Because appraisal turns on a well-supported valuation of the loss, thorough documentation and estimating matter as much here as anywhere. A licensed public adjuster can document and value the loss and help you understand whether appraisal is a sensible path for your situation. ACI Adjustment Group represents Pennsylvania policyholders and can review where your claim stands at no cost.