Insurance Appraiser & ADR Umpire — Abilene, Texas
Marshall Services provides independent insurance appraisal and ADR umpire services in Abilene, Texas and Taylor County. Abilene anchors the Texas 'Big Country,' open plains with little to slow severe weather, where spring storms drop large hail and damaging straight-line winds and West Texas wind events drive blowing dust under shingles and into mechanical systems; the destructive hailstorms that swept the Big Country in 2019 are a recent reminder of how quickly a single storm can total roofs. The area's many ranch and farm properties carry barns, equipment sheds, and metal outbuildings that adjusters routinely overlook — one hailstorm often damages several structures at once — while older downtown and historic-district homes feature brick, masonry, and aging roofs that national pricing software handles poorly. Demand tied to Dyess Air Force Base and area universities rounds out the market. Our IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser works only for policyholders, prices to Taylor County costs, documents every damaged structure, and uses FAA Part 107 drone inspections for ranch and metal roofs. The appraisal clause resolves undervalued claims in 90–120 days for $1,000–$5,000. Serving Buffalo Gap, Tuscola, Tye, Merkel, Clyde, Baird, Albany, Anson, Hawley, and surrounding West Texas communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are my barns and ranch outbuildings covered in an Abilene storm claim?
Barns, sheds, metal buildings, and other outbuildings are typically covered under the other-structures portion of a property policy, but adjusters routinely overlook or undervalue them. On Big Country ranch properties, one hailstorm often damages several structures at once. A local appraiser documents every damaged building so your full Taylor County loss is paid.
Is blowing dust and wind damage covered around Abilene?
Wind-driven damage — lifted shingles, sandblasted siding, broken windows, and grit forced into roofing and HVAC systems — is generally covered under the windstorm provisions of most Texas policies. These West Texas wind-and-dust losses are easily underestimated, so an appraiser documents the full scope to get your Abilene claim paid correctly.
Do you handle older brick and historic homes in Abilene?
Yes. Abilene's older downtown and historic-district homes feature brick, masonry, and aging roof systems that national pricing software handles poorly. A certified appraiser prices the actual materials and craftsmanship so your historic Abilene property is restored and the claim is not undervalued.
Which Big Country communities do you serve?
We serve Abilene and Taylor County plus Buffalo Gap, Tuscola, Merkel, Clyde, Baird, Anson, and surrounding West Texas communities, handling residential, commercial, and ranch property damage claims.
What determines the cost of having an appraiser handle my claim?
Cost depends on the assignment rather than a fixed rate. Each side pays for its own appraiser, and when a neutral umpire is needed the two sides share the umpire's fee. What we quote reflects the property's size and type, the number of structures, how complex the loss is, and travel. A fee is quoted before any work begins.
Does an appraisal award bind both the policyholder and the carrier?
Under a typical appraisal clause, yes. An award signed by any two of the three participants — the two appraisers and the umpire — is binding on the amount of loss. The carrier then applies the policy's deductible and other terms to that amount. Appraisal settles the amount of loss; it does not decide whether the policy covers the damage.
How long does the appraisal process usually take?
It usually runs in weeks to a few months, though timing varies with scheduling and the size and complexity of the loss. Once appraisal is invoked, the carrier names its appraiser, the two appraisers inspect the property and exchange positions, and a neutral umpire is brought in only if they cannot agree. That is generally faster than the years a lawsuit can take.
When is it worth invoking the appraisal clause?
Appraisal is generally worth considering when coverage has been accepted, the remaining dispute is about the amount of loss, the gap is meaningful, and ordinary negotiation has stalled. It does not resolve a denial of coverage, because appraisal determines valuation rather than whether damage is covered. If your policy contains an appraisal clause, that clause governs whether appraisal is available and how it must be invoked.