Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Services — California
Marshall Services LLC provides independent, impartial insurance appraisal and umpire services for property damage claims throughout California. IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser Marshall Smith uses Xactimate estimating software, FAA Part 107 drone inspections, and construction expertise to resolve disputes over wildfire, smoke, fire, wind, water, and severe storm damage for residential and commercial properties. We serve policyholders, insurance carriers, contractors, public adjusters, and attorneys statewide — including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, and Sacramento. California is one of five states the firm covers, and the cities and regions we serve are listed for each of them. Additional services include expert witness testimony for property insurance litigation and loss consulting to help property owners document and present their claims. Service areas: California, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an insurance appraisal in California?
An insurance appraisal is a binding process found in most California property insurance policies. When the policyholder and insurer disagree on the amount of a covered loss, either party can invoke the appraisal clause. Each side selects an independent appraiser, and if those two cannot agree, a neutral umpire makes the final determination. It resolves disputes over the amount of loss — not whether the damage is covered.
Can the appraisal process help with wildfire claims?
Yes. California experiences some of the most destructive wildfires in the country, and these losses are frequently disputed over scope, replacement cost, and depreciation. When coverage is established but the valuation is in dispute, the appraisal process provides a structured, impartial way to determine the accurate amount of loss for fire, smoke, and related damage.
How are large wildfire losses handled in appraisal?
Wildfire losses often involve total or near-total structure loss, smoke and soot damage to surviving structures, and significant disagreements over replacement cost and depreciation. Marshall Services documents the full scope of the loss with Xactimate and detailed inspections so the amount of loss is supported and defensible — whether serving as a party appraiser or neutral umpire.
How long does the appraisal process take?
Most insurance appraisals are resolved within a few months from the date the demand letter is sent. Large or total-loss wildfire claims are more complex and involve extensive documentation, so they can take longer — but the appraisal process remains far faster and less costly than litigation.
What types of property damage does Marshall Services appraise in California?
We appraise all types of covered property damage including wildfire and smoke, fire, wind (including Santa Ana and Diablo wind events), water intrusion, and severe storm losses — for both residential and commercial properties across California.
Is the insurance appraisal decision binding?
Yes. Under most insurance policies, the appraisal award is binding on both parties regarding the amount of loss. Once two of the three parties (the policyholder's appraiser, the insurer's appraiser, and the umpire) agree on a figure, that amount becomes the final determination.
How much does an insurance appraisal cost in California?
Fees vary with the property's size, the damage scope, the documentation required, and the claim's complexity. Each side typically pays its own appraiser, while the umpire's fee is generally shared if an umpire is needed. Marshall Services can review the assignment details and explain the applicable fee arrangement before an engagement begins.
Which parts of California do you serve?
Marshall Services provides insurance appraisal and umpire services statewide in California. The service area includes Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland, and communities beyond those metros. Availability and travel arrangements depend on the property location, claim needs, and scheduling at the time of engagement.