Appraisal basics
What is insurance appraisal?
A process written into most property policies for settling disagreements about the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, the appraisers choose an umpire, and an agreement signed by any two of the three sets the amount.
Is appraisal the same as arbitration?
They are similar but not identical. Appraisal is narrower: it decides the amount of loss, not legal questions such as coverage or bad faith, and it is usually less formal than arbitration.
Who can demand appraisal?
Under most policy wording, either you or the insurance company can demand it in writing once you disagree on the amount of loss.
Does my policy have an appraisal clause?
Most Wyoming homeowners, farm and commercial property policies do. Look for a paragraph titled “Appraisal” in the conditions section. Surplus lines and specialty policies sometimes use different wording or replace it with arbitration.
Cost and timing
How much does appraisal cost?
You pay your own appraiser and usually half of the umpire’s fee. Appraiser fees may be flat, hourly or tied to the claim; ask for the arrangement in writing. Our award net-gain projector helps you see whether the cost makes sense.
How long does appraisal take?
Many residential appraisals finish within two to three months after both appraisers are named. Winter access in the mountains, large commercial losses and umpire hearings can extend it.
Does appraisal stop the clock on my deadline to sue?
Not automatically. Unless your policy or a written agreement says otherwise, the suit-limitation period may keep running. Protect it separately.
Wyoming specifics
Who regulates insurance companies in Wyoming?
The Wyoming Department of Insurance, based in Cheyenne. It licenses insurers and adjusters and accepts consumer complaints.
Does Wyoming have a FAIR plan or wind pool?
No. Wyoming does not operate a FAIR plan or a state wind pool. Hard-to-insure properties are usually written in the surplus lines market.
Does Wyoming have a bad-faith law?
Wyoming recognizes a common-law claim for first-party bad faith, and its insurance code includes unfair claim practices rules and a provision on attorney’s fees and interest for unreasonable delays. Those are legal questions; ask a Wyoming attorney. Appraisal does not decide them.
How many counties do you cover?
All 23 Wyoming counties, from Laramie County in the southeast to Teton and Park counties in the northwest.
Working with us
Are you a public adjuster or a law firm?
Neither. We provide appraisal, estimate review and umpire services. We don’t negotiate claims outside appraisal and we don’t give legal advice.
Can you tell me if my claim is worth appraising?
Yes. The first conversation is free. We’ll look at both estimates and your photos and give you a straight answer — including when appraisal isn’t the right tool.
Do you guarantee a result?
No honest appraiser can. We guarantee a careful, well-documented valuation and clear communication.