Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Services
When you and your insurance carrier can't agree on the value of a loss, the appraisal process gives both sides a seat at the table — with a neutral expert ensuring the outcome is fair.
Credentials & Qualifications
Understanding the Process
When your insurance company pays less than you believe your claim is worth — or disputes the scope of your damage entirely — you don't have to accept it. Most property insurance policies include an appraisal clause, a built-in dispute resolution mechanism that gives both you and your carrier a fair, binding way to resolve disagreements over the amount of loss.
Appraisal is not litigation. It's faster, less expensive, and doesn't require an attorney. Think of it as a structured negotiation with a neutral decision-maker involved — and it's a right you already have under your policy.
Appraisal is about one thing only: how much is the loss worth? It does not determine coverage or fault — it determines value. That's where we come in.
Who typically invokes appraisal?
Whose roof, siding, windows, or interior were underpaid after a storm or other loss event.
With commercial buildings, rental properties, or multi-family units where the carrier's scope falls short.
Working alongside a homeowner whose estimate has been disputed or significantly reduced by the carrier.
Step by Step
The appraisal process follows a defined structure. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
You receive a settlement offer from your carrier that doesn't reflect the true cost to repair or replace your property. This could be a low estimate, missing line items, depreciation disputes, or a disagreement over scope of damage entirely.
Trigger PointEither you or your insurance carrier formally invokes the appraisal clause — typically in writing. Your policy will specify the exact language required. Once invoked, both parties are obligated to participate in good faith.
Review Your PolicyYou select your own appraiser — someone who will advocate for a fair and accurate valuation of your loss. The carrier selects theirs. Each appraiser must be competent and impartial as required by your policy. This is not the time to choose someone unfamiliar with construction costs or carrier tactics.
This Is Where We Come InEach appraiser independently assesses the damage, builds a scope of loss, and arrives at a dollar value for the claim. They may inspect together or separately, review photos, contractor estimates, engineering reports, or other documentation to support their position.
Evidence & AnalysisThe two appraisers work together to narrow their differences and reach a mutual agreement on the amount of loss. Many cases settle at this stage — a well-prepared appraiser on your side substantially improves the outcome without ever needing to go further.
Negotiation PhaseWhen the two appraisers cannot resolve their differences, a neutral umpire is brought in. The umpire reviews both positions and issues a binding award. An agreement between any two of the three parties — either appraiser and the umpire — constitutes a final, binding award under your policy.
Binding & FinalOnce a binding award is reached, your carrier is obligated to pay the agreed amount. The appraisal process bypasses lengthy litigation and typically resolves in a fraction of the time a lawsuit would take.
ResolutionHow We Serve You
Omni Vista Consulting participates in the appraisal process in two distinct capacities depending on the needs of the file.
We serve as your appointed appraiser — building the most accurate, well-documented scope of loss possible and advocating for full and fair payment of your claim. We know what carriers look for, where estimates get cut, and how to build an airtight position.
When both appraisers reach an impasse, we can serve as the neutral umpire — reviewing both positions without bias and issuing a fair, binding award. Our construction background and Xactimate expertise ensure technically sound decisions.
We also accept appointments as the carrier-side appraiser on select files. Our approach is the same: accurate scope, defensible methodology, and a fair outcome — regardless of which side we represent.
Why It Matters
Many homeowners don't know they have options beyond accepting a low offer or hiring an attorney. Appraisal is often the most efficient path to a fair outcome.
A lawsuit can take years. Appraisal typically resolves in weeks to a few months, getting money in your hands faster and avoiding court fees entirely.
Attorney fees in insurance litigation can consume a significant portion of your recovery. Appraisal fees are typically far more modest relative to the outcome.
The appraisal clause is written into most property insurance policies. You don't need to sue — you just need to invoke a right you already own and put the right people in your corner.
Once an award is issued, the carrier must pay. There's no ambiguity, no further negotiation — it's over and the check follows.
Carriers appoint experienced appraisers who know exactly how to minimize awards. Leveling the playing field means having someone in your corner with equal or greater expertise.
Appraisal is a policy mechanism, not an adversarial legal action. It resolves disputes professionally without burning bridges with your carrier.
Who We Are
Tyler Tayse
Principal — Omni Vista Consulting
Omni Vista Consulting was founded on a straightforward premise: homeowners deserve the same caliber of expertise on their side that insurance carriers put on theirs.
With a background spanning roofing, construction management, and property claims, our principal Tyler Tayse has spent years working inside the insurance ecosystem — understanding how estimates are built, where they get cut, and what it takes to defend a fair number all the way through the appraisal process.
That hands-on experience translates directly into better outcomes. We don't just know the process — we know the property. When we walk a roof or review a scope, we're drawing on real construction knowledge, not just policy language.
Whether you're a homeowner navigating your first dispute or a contractor working alongside a client whose claim has been underpaid, we bring the same disciplined, documented approach to every file.
Common Questions
Answers to what homeowners most often ask us before getting started.
The vast majority of homeowner and commercial property insurance policies include an appraisal clause. It's typically found in the "Conditions" section of your policy and will use language like "if you and we fail to agree on the amount of loss, either may demand an appraisal." Pull out your policy declarations and look for that section — or contact us and we can help you locate it.
Appraiser fees vary based on the complexity and size of the claim. We work on both hourly and flat-fee structures depending on the file. We'll discuss our fee arrangement transparently before you retain us — there are no surprises. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
This varies by state, policy language, and the complexity of the dispute. In straightforward cases, the process can resolve in 30–60 days from the time appraisal is invoked. More complex files with significant dollar differences or umpire involvement can take longer. Either way, it's significantly faster than litigation.
If the appraisal clause is part of your policy, the carrier generally cannot refuse to participate once it's properly invoked. Attempting to deny a valid appraisal demand can constitute bad faith under state law. If you're encountering resistance, that's a serious issue worth addressing — and something we can help you navigate.
No. Appraisal is a policy right, not a legal proceeding. You do not need an attorney to invoke the clause or participate in the appraisal process. That said, if your situation involves coverage disputes (not just amount of loss disputes), you may want to consult with a coverage attorney separately — appraisal only resolves disagreements over value, not coverage.
A partial payment doesn't necessarily mean the claim is closed or that you've waived your rights. Depending on your state, policy language, and whether you signed a release, you may still have options. Contact us to discuss the specifics — the window to act can be narrow, so don't wait.
Get Started
Consultations are free. Reach out and we'll review your situation, walk you through your options, and let you know if appraisal is the right path forward.
Call or Text
(904) 486-8476Omni Vista Consulting provides independent appraisal and umpire services. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. For coverage disputes or denied claims, consult a licensed attorney in your state.