The Appraisal Clause: How Texas Homeowners Settle a Roof-Claim Dispute Without Suing
When you and your carrier disagree on the amount of a hail loss, the appraisal clause in your policy is usually the fastest way out. Here's how it works in Texas, what it costs, and when to invoke it.
Most Texas homeowner policies contain an appraisal clause. It is one of the most useful and least understood provisions in the whole document, and it exists for exactly one situation: you and your insurance company agree the loss is covered but disagree on how much it costs to fix.
How it works
- Either side demands appraisal in writing.
- You appoint a competent, impartial appraiser; the carrier appoints theirs. (You pay yours, they pay theirs.)
- The two appraisers try to agree on the amount of loss. If they agree, that number is binding.
- If they cannot agree, they select an umpire. Any two of the three signing an award sets the amount. Umpire fees are typically split.
What appraisal can and cannot do
- Can decide: the amount of loss — scope, quantities, pricing, sometimes the split between repair and replacement.
- Cannot decide: whether the damage is covered at all, causation disputes the carrier has formally denied, or bad-faith claims.
Timing and cost in DFW
A typical residential appraisal in North Texas resolves in 30–90 days. Independent appraisers here generally charge a flat fee or an hourly rate; umpires commonly charge a day rate that gets split. Against the cost and years of litigation, it is usually the better first move.
When to invoke it
- The carrier agrees hail hit the roof but approved a repair when the slope needs replacement.
- Their estimate omits code-required items your city actually enforces.
- The pricing per square is materially below what any licensed DFW contractor will do the work for.
- Two supplements have gone nowhere.
Do not invoke appraisal on a flat denial of coverage — that is a different fight. Talk to a public adjuster or an attorney first.
ADC Roofing does not act as your appraiser or negotiate your claim. We provide the thing appraisal runs on: an accurate, photo-documented scope of what the roof needs. Request a free inspection or call (844) 893-7326.