Expert Insurance Appraisal for Policyholders

We resolve “Amount of Loss” disputes with expert valuation, construction-driven scope analysis, and trusted policyholder advocacy. Appraisal is a faster, cost-effective alternative to litigation, with no high contingency fees.

Woman visibly frustrated with her insurance company
Woman frustrated with her insurance company

Why Policyholders Need Appraisal Services

Appraisal exists for one purpose under the Insurance Act: To resolve disputes over the value of the ‘Amount of Loss.’

If you and your insurer disagree on how much it will cost to restore your property, appraisal is the mechanism to settle it. Appraisal does not decide coverage, exclusions, policy limits, causation, or endorsements. Those are legal questions. By focusing only on scope and valuation, appraisal delivers a faster, binding resolution without lengthy litigation.

How the Appraisal Process Works

1

Forensic Analysis

  • Review the insured’s claim and supporting evidence
  • Review the insurer’s position and estimates
  • Document every discrepancy in scope and valuation

2

Appraiser Assigned

  • Each side selects an independent appraiser
  • Appraiser represents their party’s valuation
  • Begins exchanging required documents and evidence

3

Umpire Selection

  • Both appraisers attempt to agree on an umpire
  • Umpire acts as the neutral third-party decision-maker
  • Court appoints an umpire if the appraisers cannot agree

4

Evidence Prepared

  • Detailed scope-of-work analysis outlining all required repairs
  • Accurate valuation of damage and full replacement requirements
  • Expert documentation prepared to properly support the “Amount of Loss”

5

Negotiation & Umpire

  • Appraisers attempt to reach an agreement
  • Remaining disagreements are presented to the umpire
  • Umpire issues the deciding value when needed

6

Binding Decision

  • One appraiser must accept the umpire’s valuation
  • The decision becomes binding on both parties
  • Settlement is finalized based on the awarded value

Why Choose PAAC?

Why PAAC is the Best Appraisal Option

When it comes to resolving disputes over the Amount of Loss, PAAC stands apart as the only provider that brings every piece of the process under one roof. With PAAC, you don’t just get a number – you get a fair, binding settlement and the option to ensure your property is restored correctly.

Loss Quantification

We calculate the fair value of your loss using precise evidence and documentation.

Policyholder Advocacy

We prepare and present your appraisal case with your best interests protected throughout.

Transparent Fees

We offer clear hourly or flat fees with no high contingency charges added to your claim.

Legal Oversight

We ensure the entire appraisal process stays fair and within its legal authority at all times.

Fair and transparent
Fair and transparent

Fair, Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Costs

With PAAC Construction:

  • Minimal fees, since we already know your scope and value.
  • No costly forensic analysis required.

Appraisal only:

  • Hourly or flat rates, agreed in advance.
  • No high-percentage contingency fees that drain your settlement.

Appraisal – Frequently Asked Questions

What is an insurance appraisal, and when can I request one?

An appraisal is a formal process under the Insurance Act to resolve disputes about the value of the loss – the cost to restore or replace damaged property. You can request it when you and your insurer disagree on the dollar value or scope of repair.

It’s the fair cost to repair, replace, or rebuild your property to pre-loss condition. It’s based on evidence such as scope, materials, and labour.

Appraisal decides the value of loss, repair costs, and scope of damage. It does not decide coverage, exclusions, policy interpretation, causation, or endorsements.

Usually no. Appraisal is a valuation—not a legal—process. PAAC’s integrated expertise helps most clients resolve disputes without litigation.

Typical timelines are 30–90 days, depending on complexity and documentation. Appraisal avoids long court delays by focusing only on valuation.

No. Invoking appraisal is your legal right. Your insurer cannot cancel or penalize your policy for using it to resolve a valuation dispute.

With PAAC Contracting: minimal fees because we already understand scope and value. Appraisal-Only: hourly or flat rates agreed in advance. We never use high-percentage contingency fees that reduce your payout.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Delays cost policyholders money. Every day your insurer undervalues your claim, your settlement shrinks. Get your free claim review today.