How the estimator works
The amount in dispute is your estimate minus the carrier’s. An appraisal award often lands somewhere inside that gap, so the tool shows three illustrative outcomes (25%, 50% and 75% of the gap) plus a scenario you set with the slider.
For each outcome it subtracts your likely costs: your appraiser’s fee (percentage, flat or hourly) and half of the umpire’s fee. The break-even point is the share of the gap the award must reach before you come out ahead.
Reading the results
- If even the 75% scenario nets little, a documented supplement request is usually a better first step.
- If the 25% scenario is already clearly positive, appraisal may be worth a serious look.
- All figures are illustrative. Real awards depend on the evidence and the panel.
Questions about this tool
Why doesn’t the tool assume I get my full number?
Panels often land between the two estimates. Planning on a range is more realistic than planning on a best case.
Should I include the umpire fee?
Include it if the appraisers may not agree on everything. Many residential panels settle without an umpire decision.
Does this include my deductible?
No. The deductible applies either way, so it doesn’t change the gap between estimates.
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