Residential and Commercial Appraisal Services
Property Insurance Appraisal, Prepared With Precision
With more than 15 years of property-claim experience, more than 1,000 inspections and hundreds of claims and appraisals handled since 2015, Mallard Claims can help determine whether appraisal is appropriate and prepare the matter for a clear, well-supported presentation.
Start With the Right Strategy
Is Appraisal the Right Next Step?
Appraisal is a contractual dispute-resolution process found in many property insurance policies. It is generally used when the policyholder and carrier disagree about the amount of loss—not when the central dispute is whether the policy provides coverage.
Before an appraisal demand is submitted, Mallard Claims reviews the situation, available estimates and claim documents to help determine whether appraisal is the appropriate course. No outcome can be guaranteed, but careful preparation can help the panel understand the claimed damage and the basis for the amount requested.
Appraisal May Address
- Causation questions within the amount-of-loss dispute, as permitted by the policy and applicable law
- Scope of covered repairs
- Pricing and the amount of loss
Appraisal Does Not Decide
- Policy interpretation
- Whether the policy affords coverage
- Legal rights or obligations beyond the panel’s authority
What to Expect
Mallard Claims’ 6-Step Appraisal Process
Initial Appraisal Consultation
Call (612) 599-9944 to discuss the claim, disputed items and the insurance carrier’s current position. We will explain whether appraisal appears to be a practical next step and what additional information may be needed.
Document and Estimate Review
Provide the contractor’s current detailed estimate, the carrier’s most recent estimate or denial letter, applicable reports and the policyholder’s contact information. Email copies to [email protected].
Client Conference and Agreement
We schedule a conference call with the policyholder and, when applicable, the contractor to review the process, responsibilities and expected appraisal expenses. The policyholder then receives the appraisal agreement and instructions for submitting the demand to the carrier.
Carrier Appraiser Selection and Panel Setup
After the carrier acknowledges the appraisal demand, the carrier selects its appraiser within the period required by the policy or applicable rules. Mallard Claims cannot engage the carrier’s appraiser until that person is named. Once selected, the two appraisers work to choose an umpire and schedule the inspection.
Submission Packet and Inspection Preparation
All materials should be delivered to Mallard Claims at least 10 days before the scheduled inspection so the complete submission can be shared with the panel. The contractor should be prepared to identify the claimed damage and have relevant samples, reports and estimates available.
Inspection, Panel Deliberation and Award
The panel inspects the property and evaluates the submitted information. Afterward, the panel deliberates and prepares an award. An award signed by any two members of the panel is generally binding under the policy, subject to policy terms and applicable law. Timing for the signed award and carrier payment can vary.
Residential and Commercial Fees
2026 Appraisal Fee Schedule
| Contractor Estimate of Repairs | Appraisal Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $100,000 | $2,000, plus one-half of the umpire fee |
| $100,000–$200,000 | $2,500, plus one-half of the umpire fee |
| $200,000–$300,000 | $3,000, plus one-half of the umpire fee |
| Over $300,000 | Fee provided by bid |
| Commercial building appraisals | Fee provided by bid |
Fee schedule is effective for 2026 and is subject to change. Confirm the current fee and scope in writing before engagement.
The policyholder is responsible for the Mallard Claims appraisal fee and one-half of the umpire fee unless another payment arrangement is accepted in writing. Payment is required before the appraisal inspection. Appraisal fees are separate from contingency-based public-adjusting services.
Prepare a Complete Submission
Appraisal Documentation Checklist
A complete, well-organized submission helps the panel evaluate the claimed amount of loss. The packet should include the following, as applicable:
- Contractor’s detailed estimate using the most recent applicable Xactimate price list
- Custom bids for windows, specialty materials, upgrades or items not adequately priced in Xactimate
- General contractor overhead and profit applied where appropriate
- Side-by-side comparison of carrier-approved items and disputed items
- Carrier’s most recent estimate, prior estimates, denial letters and relevant claim correspondence
- EagleView, GAF measurement report or comparable property-measurement documentation
- ITEL reports for shingles or siding when matching or availability is disputed
- Inspection photographs showing all elevations and claimed damage; 20–30 organized photos are generally sufficient
- Signed contract between the policyholder and contractor
- Manufacturer repair, replacement or discontinued-product bulletins
- Applicable building-code or municipal ordinance documentation
- Expert reports addressing HVAC, windows, repairability or other specialized items
- Engineering reports obtained by the carrier or policyholder
- Relevant weather reports showing hail size, wind speed or storm conditions on the stated date of loss
- Any other documentation directly relevant to causation, scope or pricing
Matching Disputes
Material Samples and Matching
When shingle or siding matching is disputed, provide the applicable ITEL report and physical samples requested for the inspection. For shingles, have an unopened bundle of the best available match onsite. For siding, have a full piece showing the manufacturer, profile and color when possible.
If removing a sample would unnecessarily damage the property before the appraisal, discuss mobile identification options with Mallard Claims first.
Important Responsibilities
- The policyholder’s contractor must attend and be prepared to identify and explain the claimed damage.
- All documents submitted for the appraisal will be shared with the full panel.
- Experts who provide reports may be asked to attend and explain their findings.
- The policyholder must sign the appraisal agreement, even if a contractor is permitted to pay fees.
- Required appraisal and umpire fees must be paid before the inspection.
- Late documents may cause additional review, delay or rescheduling.
Before You Submit a Demand
Make Sure the Claim Is Ready for Appraisal
Call Mallard Claims to discuss the dispute, required documentation and whether appraisal is the right next step for the policyholder.