Colorado Claim Dispute Resolutions LLC
When a claim is in dispute, you deserve a fair, well-supported resolution grounded in accuracy, professionalism, and deep industry expertise.
Understanding Appraisal
Appraisal is a clause in an insurance policy that provides a process for resolving disputes over the value of an insurance loss. If the policyholder and insurance company cannot agree on the amount of a claim, either party can demand appraisal.
Faster & Less Costly — Appraisal often offers a quicker, less expensive, and less formal alternative to lawsuits for settling valuation disputes.
Expert Assessment — Independent, knowledgeable professionals evaluate damages with precision that exceeds a standard claims adjuster.
Removes Bias — Independent experts ensure a fair, market-based valuation free from carrier influence.
Appraisal encompasses the formal valuation of a loss — including the cost of repairs and ancillary considerations such as repairability. Common disputes include whether a roof is repairable given shingle condition, and establishing the causation of damage (e.g., hail vs. wear and tear).
Appraisers do not interpret policy language or determine coverage. When disagreements involve policy application or whether a loss is covered, appraisal is not the appropriate mechanism. Understand your policy and endorsements before proceeding.
Before invoking appraisal, ensure the matters in dispute can be properly addressed through the appraisal process.
Transparent Fees
The pricing outlined below reflects our standard fee structure. Actual costs may vary based on the complexity of the dispute and the anticipated time required. For a firm quote, contact us directly to discuss the details of your claim.
Tier 1
Average Complexity
Applies to claims where damages are limited to exterior components of the dwelling. May include minor other-structure items such as a shed or fencing. The disputed scope typically involves the roofing system with moderate disagreements on exterior elevations.
Tier 2
Medium Complexity
Applies to claims involving moderate to larger-scale exterior damage and may include limited interior damages. The disputed scope is typically broad, with multiple items contested on both scope and pricing. A moderate number of other-structure components may also be included.
Tier 3
High Complexity
Applies to claims involving extensive exterior damage and may include moderate interior damages. A larger number of other-structure components may also fall within the dispute.
Due Diligence
Appraisal has seen a large uptick in popularity, but not all disputes are good candidates. Consider the following before pursuing appraisal.
Most appraisal proceedings conclude within 2–4 months, but extended durations are not uncommon. Keeping these timelines in mind is essential when evaluating whether appraisal is the right option for your claim.
Appraisers do not decide coverage or interpret policy provisions. They are limited to estimating the cost of damages tied to the loss. Understand your policy and any endorsements that may impact your claim, as appraisal cannot resolve coverage issues.
Appraisal results are typically binding, and exceptions are rare. Because opportunities to challenge the award are limited, it is important to understand this finality before entering the process.
When appraisers reach an agreement independently, the primary expense is the fee of your chosen appraiser. If they cannot reach a consensus, an umpire will be appointed and the umpire fee will be divided equally between the insured and the insurer.
Documentation Guide
One of the initial steps in invoking appraisal is submitting a detailed demand estimate to the insurance carrier. Incomplete estimates or insufficient documentation can lead to increased fees or damages being omitted from consideration entirely.
The estimate should reflect all damages attributable to the loss. Additional damages identified during inspection that are not included in the original demand can be challenging to incorporate, as they may fall outside the scope of what is being contested.
A thorough estimate should reflect a complete and accurate assessment of the loss. Estimates submitted as part of the appraisal demand frequently omit critical line items, resulting in an inadequate representation of the scope of repairs required.
Providing all relevant documentation upfront is essential. When information is withheld or overlooked, appraisers must track it down, causing avoidable delays and additional fees. Include:
Logan Belz
Founder & Lead Appraiser
About CCDR
I founded CCDR with a clear goal: to make the appraisal process more accessible by offering transparent, affordable upfront pricing while delivering a high level of knowledge, expertise, and experience to every disputed claim.
My career began on the catastrophe team of one of the largest insurance carriers in the country, where I spent five years handling claims related to large-scale weather events. From there, I transitioned into independent adjusting, managing a wide variety of claims for multiple carriers across the country.
During a break in my IA career, I also spent eight months as a desk adjuster, giving me a well-rounded perspective on how claims are evaluated, negotiated, and resolved from both the field and the desk.
I have served as an appraiser on hundreds of wind, hail, and water-damage claims, representing both carriers and insureds. This dual-sided experience has given me a balanced, informed understanding of how to navigate disputed claims and reach equitable outcomes — along with a deep working knowledge of Colorado's constantly evolving building codes.
Get in Touch
Phone
(303) 518-5819Service Area
Colorado — Front Range & BeyondNote
Not currently accepting Allstate or Liberty Mutual appraisals.