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Appraisal Preparedness Checkup: Is Your Claim File Ready?

Appraisal rewards preparation. Answer twelve questions and the checkup scores your file, weighs the items panels care about most and lists exactly what to gather next.

Appraisal preparedness checkup12 questions · about two minutes
  1. Has the carrier accepted coverage for at least part of the loss in writing?
  2. Do you have the carrier’s full line-item estimate, not just a summary letter?
  3. Do you have your own itemized estimate from a contractor or estimator?
  4. Do you have dated photos taken soon after the loss?
  5. Have you found and read the appraisal paragraph in your policy?
  6. Do you know the suit-limitation date in your policy?
  7. Were temporary repairs made, with receipts kept?
  8. Do you have your current declarations page, including deductibles?
  9. Has hidden damage (attic, decking, crawlspace, wet walls) been opened and documented?
  10. Is your correspondence with the carrier organized by date?
  11. Is the gap more than roughly 10% of the carrier’s number or several thousand dollars?
  12. If the carrier requested a sworn proof of loss, was it submitted on time?
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Answered 0 / 12

What to do next

    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 all example figures are illustrative.

    How the score is weighted

    Accepted coverage, the carrier’s full estimate and your own itemized estimate carry the most weight, because appraisal can’t work without them. Photos, policy language, deadlines and hidden-damage documentation come next. Administrative items count, but less.

    Reading your result

    • 75 and up: a strong file. The next step is a professional look at the dollar gap.
    • 45–74: close the gaps on your list before demanding appraisal.
    • Under 45: invoking now risks a weak award. Build the file first.

    Answers aren’t saved or sent anywhere. When you’re ready, our estimate audit is a sensible next step.

    Questions about this tool

    Do I need a perfect score before calling an appraiser?

    No. Many people call with gaps in their file. The checkup simply shows what an appraiser will ask for.

    Why does accepted coverage matter so much?

    Appraisal values a covered loss. If the carrier denied the claim entirely, the dispute is about coverage and usually needs an attorney.

    Is this legal advice?

    No. It’s a planning checklist based on common appraisal practice.

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