Insurance Appraiser & Appraisal Umpire in Austin, Texas
Austin's rapid growth has created unique insurance challenges. Marshall Services provides IAUA CPAU certified insurance appraisals, umpire services, and expert witness testimony for property damage claims in Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. When an Austin appraisal reaches an impasse, Marshall Smith, CPAU, provides neutral insurance umpire services in Austin — a binding, impartial determination that resolves disputed claims without litigation. Specializing in hail, wind, water, and fire damage for residential and commercial properties. Serving Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, and other Austin-area communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an insurance appraisal cost in Austin?
Austin property insurance appraisals typically range from $750 to $5,000 depending on property size and claim complexity. This is significantly less than hiring an attorney for litigation, which can cost $15,000–$50,000+ with no guaranteed outcome. Each side pays their own appraiser, and the umpire fee is split.
What types of damage do you appraise in Austin?
We appraise all types of covered property damage in Austin — hail damage to roofing, siding, and gutters; wind and tornado damage; water damage from pipe bursts and storm intrusion; fire and smoke damage; and ice/freeze damage. Both residential and commercial properties across Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties.
Do you provide umpire services for Austin claims?
Yes. Marshall Smith, CPAU, provides neutral umpire services for disputed insurance claims in Austin and Central Texas. As an IAUA certified umpire, his binding determination resolves claim value disputes without the cost and delay of litigation.
How fast can you inspect my Austin property?
We typically schedule Austin property inspections within 5-10 business days of engagement. After major hail events in the Austin metro, demand increases — contacting us early ensures faster scheduling. Our drone inspections are especially efficient for large or steep-roof properties.
Do you cover Round Rock and the northern suburbs?
Yes. We serve the entire Austin metro including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Hutto, Liberty Hill, and all of Williamson County. These northern suburbs are among the most hail-impacted areas in Central Texas.
Do you serve communities south and west of Austin?
Yes. Marshall Services covers communities south and west of Austin as well as the northern suburbs. The service area includes Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spicewood, and nearby communities across Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties for residential and commercial property insurance appraisals.
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.