Hurricane Damage Insurance Appraisal
Marshall Services LLC provides independent, impartial hurricane and windstorm damage insurance appraisals across the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser Marshall Smith uses Xactimate estimating software and FAA Part 107 drone inspections to document the full scope of wind-driven loss — roofing, windows, siding, soffits, fences, interior water intrusion, and contents — and to separate wind damage from flood damage for accurate valuation. When a policyholder and insurer disagree on the amount of a covered hurricane loss, the appraisal process delivers a binding resolution far faster than litigation. Where the rainfall and surge side of a storm dominates, our Texas water damage insurance appraisal page covers how that scope is documented. Serving Houston, Galveston, the Texas coast, and Louisiana. The Certified Property Appraiser & Umpire designation from the IAUA requires certification coursework, an examination, adherence to the association's code of ethics, and periodic recertification. Listed on the Texas Department of Insurance roster of appraisal umpires — the roster TDI draws on to appoint an umpire for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) claims when the two sides cannot agree on one — and Marshall Smith holds an active Texas Department of Insurance license number 1642160. Placement on the roster is not an endorsement or certification by the Texas Department of Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hurricane damage claim was undervalued?
Common signs your hurricane damage claim was undervalued include:
• Your contractor's repair estimate is significantly higher than the insurance payout • Wind damage was classified as flood (or vice versa), leaving part of the loss uncovered • Damage to the roof, windows, soffits, or interior water intrusion was excluded from the scope • The insurer used pricing below local post-storm market rates in their estimate • Only partial repairs were approved when the full structure was compromised
If any of these apply, you should consider getting an independent appraisal.
What does a hurricane damage insurance appraisal cost?
You pay for your own appraiser, and the insurance company pays for theirs. If an umpire is needed (roughly 5% of cases), that cost is split equally. Typical appraiser fees range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the size and complexity of the property — a fraction of what litigation costs ($20,000–$50,000+).
Can I demand appraisal for hurricane and wind damage?
Yes. If your insurance policy contains an appraisal clause (most Gulf Coast property policies do), you can demand appraisal for any covered hurricane and windstorm damage — including roof, siding, windows, soffits, fascia, fences, and interior water damage caused by wind-driven rain and storm-created openings. The demand must be submitted in writing to your insurer.
How is wind damage separated from flood damage?
Many hurricane losses involve both wind and water, and separating wind-driven damage from flood (storm surge) damage is often the central dispute — because they are typically covered under different policies. Marshall Services documents the full scope of damage with Xactimate and FAA Part 107 drone evidence, building a clear, defensible record of the wind-caused loss so each covered peril is valued accurately.
How long does a hurricane damage appraisal take?
From the date you send your demand for appraisal, most hurricane damage claims are resolved within 90 to 120 days. After a major landfall, timelines can vary with the volume of claims and the responsiveness of both parties — but appraisal remains far faster than litigation. Marshall Services uses Xactimate software and drone inspections to deliver thorough, fast valuations.
Which areas does Marshall Services cover for hurricane claims?
Marshall Services provides hurricane and tropical storm damage appraisals across the Gulf Coast and surrounding states — including the Texas coast (Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi) and Louisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Lafayette). We travel statewide and across state lines for catastrophe claims.
When is it worth invoking appraisal for a hurricane claim?
It is generally worth considering when the carrier has accepted coverage but you and the carrier have a meaningful disagreement about the repair scope or pricing. Appraisal determines the amount of loss, not whether hurricane damage is covered. If your policy contains an appraisal clause, review its requirements before demanding appraisal because your policy governs the procedure and timing.
Is a hurricane damage appraisal award binding?
Yes, if your policy contains an appraisal clause, an award signed by any two of the three participants is generally binding on the amount of loss. Each side selects its own appraiser, and a neutral umpire breaks a tie. The award does not resolve coverage. The carrier then applies the policy's deductible and other terms to the awarded amount.