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HomeInsurance ClaimsAppraisal Process
Know Your Rights as a Texas Homeowner

The Insurance
Appraisal Process
Explained.

If your insurance company and Texas Prime Homes disagree on the value of your claim, the appraisal process is your right under Texas law. Here's exactly how it works — step by step.

Free consultation · No out-of-pocket cost beyond your deductible · Serving the entire Rio Grande Valley

The Foundation

What Is the Appraisal Clause?

Most Texas homeowner insurance policies include an "appraisal clause" — a built-in dispute resolution mechanism that gives you the right to challenge your insurance company's settlement offer without going to court.

When you and your insurance company can't agree on the amount of loss (how much your damage is worth), either party can invoke the appraisal process. Each side selects a competent, independent appraiser. Those two appraisers then select a neutral umpire.

The appraisers work to agree on the value of the loss. If they can't agree, the umpire decides. The decision of any two of the three (either appraiser + umpire) is binding on both parties.

This process exists to protect you. Insurance companies have entire departments dedicated to minimizing claims. The appraisal clause gives you a formal, legal mechanism to push back — and Texas Prime Homes helps you use it effectively.

How the Decision Is Made

Your Appraiser

Represents you

+

Umpire

Neutral third party

=

Binding Award

Insurance must pay

Any 2 of 3 parties agreeing creates a binding award. The insurance company's adjuster has no vote.

Watch & Learn

Video Walkthrough

Appraisal Process Explained

Video coming soon — call us for a free personal walkthrough

Call 956-250-4094

Step by Step

The Appraisal Process — Step by Step

01

Disagreement With Your Insurance Company

The appraisal process begins when you and your insurance carrier cannot agree on the value of your loss. This typically happens when the insurance adjuster's estimate is significantly lower than the actual cost to restore your property.

Don't accept a lowball offer without exploring your options. The appraisal clause is your right — and it costs nothing to invoke it.
02

Written Demand for Appraisal

Either you or your insurance company can invoke the appraisal clause by sending a written demand. Texas Prime Homes can help you draft this demand letter and ensure it meets the requirements of your specific policy.

Check your policy for the exact language. Most Texas policies require the demand to be made within a specific timeframe after the disagreement.
03

Each Party Selects an Appraiser

You select a competent, independent appraiser to represent your interests. Your insurance company selects their own appraiser. Texas Prime Homes can serve as your appraiser or recommend qualified professionals who specialize in roofing and storm damage.

Your appraiser must be independent — not someone with a financial interest in the outcome beyond their appraisal fee.
04

Appraisers Select an Umpire

The two appraisers agree on a neutral umpire — a third party who will make the final call if the appraisers cannot reach agreement. If the appraisers can't agree on an umpire, either party can petition a court to appoint one.

The umpire selection is critical. Texas Prime Homes has experience navigating this process and can help ensure a fair umpire is selected.
05

Appraisers Inspect & Document

Both appraisers independently inspect the property, review documentation, and assess the full scope and value of the loss. Texas Prime Homes prepares a comprehensive damage report with photographs, measurements, and cost estimates to support your position.

The quality of your documentation at this stage directly impacts the outcome. Thorough, professional documentation is your strongest asset.
06

Award Is Issued

The appraisers attempt to agree on the amount of loss. If they agree, that amount is the award. If they disagree, the umpire reviews both positions and issues a binding decision. Any two of the three parties agreeing creates a binding award.

Once the award is issued, your insurance company is obligated to pay it (minus your deductible and any applicable depreciation).
07

Insurance Pays — We Restore Your Home

With the appraisal award in hand, your insurance company issues payment. Texas Prime Homes then completes the full restoration of your property using Owens Corning Preferred Platinum materials — the highest quality available.

You pay only your deductible and any upgrades you choose. The appraisal process ensures you receive the full amount needed for proper restoration.

FAQ

Appraisal Process FAQ

"The insurance adjuster said our damage was "pre-existing." Juan documented everything and proved it was storm-related. We got the full replacement covered."

Veronica H., McAllen

"I had no idea how the appraisal process worked. Texas Prime Homes walked me through everything and handled the insurance company directly. Stress-free."

Robert C., Harlingen

"Our first claim was denied. Juan reviewed the denial, found errors in the adjuster's report, and helped us get it reopened. We got our roof replaced."

Ana L., Brownsville

Ready to Invoke Your
Appraisal Rights?

Texas Prime Homes has supported hundreds of appraisal cases across the Rio Grande Valley. Call us — we'll review your situation and tell you exactly what your options are.