DFW Insurance Appraiser
Marshall Services provides IAUA CPAU certified insurance appraisal and ADR umpire services across the entire Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The DFW metro is the fourth-largest in the US and one of the most hail-prone regions in the country. We provide Xactimate estimates calibrated to DFW-area material and labor costs, FAA Part 107 drone inspections for commercial properties, and neutral umpire services. Covering Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Irving, Garland, Denton, Wylie, Weatherford, Decatur, Bridgeport, Sherman, and all surrounding DFW communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an insurance appraisal cost in DFW?
DFW property appraisals typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on property size and claim complexity. This is a fraction of the $20,000–$50,000+ cost of litigation with an attorney. Each party pays their own appraiser, and the umpire fee is split.
What areas do you cover in the DFW metroplex?
We cover the entire DFW metro — Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Irving, Garland, Weatherford, Decatur, Bridgeport, Sherman, Wylie, and all surrounding communities. We're based locally and can typically respond within 24-48 hours.
How does the appraisal clause work in Texas?
Under the Texas Insurance Code, either the policyholder or carrier can invoke the appraisal clause when there's a disagreement on claim value. Each side selects an appraiser, the two appraisers attempt to agree, and if they can't, a neutral umpire makes the final binding decision. This process typically resolves in 90-120 days — far faster than litigation.
Do you handle commercial property claims in DFW?
Yes. We handle both residential and commercial insurance appraisals throughout DFW. Our FAA Part 107 certified drone inspections are especially valuable for large commercial roofs, multi-story buildings, and industrial properties where traditional ladder inspections are impractical.
Can you serve as an umpire for DFW claims?
Yes. Marshall Smith, CPAU, serves as a neutral umpire for disputed insurance claims across DFW. As a certified umpire, Marshall provides impartial evaluations when the policyholder's and carrier's appraisers cannot reach agreement.
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.