The Appraisal Clause They Didn’t Want Me to Use

After a hailstorm swept through Colorado Springs, Sarah Jensen’s 2019 Subaru Outback was left with dents covering the roof, hood, and trunk. She filed a comprehensive claim, expecting the insurance process to be straightforward.

Three days later, her insurer emailed a settlement offer: $5,200, based on their adjuster’s virtual review and "market average repair rates."

Sarah took the estimate to a reputable body shop in town, where the manager just raised his eyebrows.

“$5,200? This is a $9,000 repair, easy. Roof replacement alone is $3,000.”

Sarah called her claims adjuster to dispute the amount. “I’m looking at an estimate almost double what you offered,” she said.

The adjuster was polite but firm. “Our estimate stands unless you can provide significant justification. Or, you could go through the Appraisal Clause—but it’s a complicated process.”

“Complicated how?” she asked.

“Well, you’d have to hire an independent appraiser, and we would too. Then there’s an umpire involved if they don’t agree. It could take weeks, maybe months.”

That was the moment Sarah realized something: they didn’t want her to use it.

She went ahead anyway—hired a local appraiser who specialized in insurance disputes. The insurer picked their own appraiser, and within two weeks, both experts agreed the fair value of the damage was $8,600.

The insurer quietly paid it out.

No drama. No drawn-out arbitration. Just more money—because Sarah exercised her rights.

Moral of the story:
The Appraisal Clause exists for a reason—to protect you from unfair valuations. Insurance companies won’t advertise it, and they may even discourage it. But when the numbers don’t add up, it’s your most powerful tool. Use it.