What action should the insured take if they disagree with the insurer's assessment of loss?

When an insured party disagrees with the insurer's assessment of loss, requesting an independent appraisal is a prudent course of action. This option is typically provided for in many insurance policies and allows both the insured and the insurer to have their positions evaluated by a neutral third party with expertise in assessing damages.

The appraisal process involves both parties selecting their own appraisers, who then evaluate the loss independently. If they reach a disagreement on the amount of the loss, an independent umpire may be brought in to help resolve the dispute. This method can often lead to a fairer outcome and is generally more efficient than pursuing legal action, as it avoids the time and expenses associated with litigation.

Opting to accept the decision and move on without contesting it could mean that the insured has to bear a potentially significant loss unfairly. Alternatively, filing a lawsuit immediately can be time-consuming and costly, requiring legal representation and proceeding through the court system, which may not be necessary if the disagreement can be resolved through appraisal. Engaging with the media for broader appeal would not contribute to resolving the specific dispute with the insurer and is unlikely to have any effect on the insurance claim process.

Thus, the choice to request an independent appraisal is a constructive step that can help