Delaware Insurance AppraiserIndependent claim appraisal · First State

Free checklist

Appraisal Readiness Check

Appraisal rewards preparation. Answer ten questions to see how ready your file is and what to gather before you invoke the clause.

Appraisal readiness check10 quick questions
  • I have the insurer’s full, itemized estimate (not just the payment letter).
  • I have my own contractor or independent estimate covering the same scope.
  • The insurer has accepted that the loss is covered.
  • I have dated photos of the damage taken before repairs or cleanup.
  • I’ve read the appraisal clause in my policy.
  • I know my policy deadlines (proof of loss, depreciation recovery, suit limitation).
  • I’ve kept receipts for temporary repairs and mitigation.
  • The gap between the two estimates is more than a few thousand dollars.
  • I’ve separated wind damage from any flood damage (coastal properties).
  • I have the declarations page showing my limits and deductibles.
–Score

Answered0 / 10

Still to do

    For planning only. Results depend on the figures you enter and your policy’s terms. They aren’t a quote, an appraisal or legal advice, and nothing you enter is stored.

    What the score means

    Each question is weighted by how much it affects an appraisal outcome. The itemized estimates and coverage acceptance carry the most weight, because without them appraisal can’t really work. A high score means you have what a panel expects to see; a low score gives you a to-do list.

    Why preparation matters

    An appraisal award is binding on the amount of loss once two of three panel members sign. If key evidence is missing, the award may lock in a lower number than the damage deserves. It’s much easier to gather documents before appraisal than to argue about them after.

    Your answers are not saved or sent anywhere.

    Questions about this worksheet

    Do I need a perfect score to invoke appraisal?

    No. But each “no” answer is a gap a panel may notice. Close the important ones first.

    Why is coverage acceptance on the list?

    Appraisal decides the amount of loss, not coverage. If coverage is denied, you may need an attorney instead.

    Is my information stored?

    No. The checklist runs entirely in your browser.

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