Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Services — Colorado
Marshall Services LLC provides independent, impartial insurance appraisal and umpire services for property damage claims throughout Colorado. IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser Marshall Smith uses Xactimate estimating software, FAA Part 107 drone inspections, and construction expertise to resolve disputes over hail, wind, wildfire, smoke, fire, and snow/ice damage for residential and commercial properties. We serve policyholders, insurance carriers, contractors, public adjusters, and attorneys statewide — including Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Boulder. Additional services include expert witness testimony for property insurance litigation and loss consulting to help property owners document and present their claims. Service areas: Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an insurance appraisal in Colorado?
An insurance appraisal is a binding process found in most Colorado 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 hail and wildfire claims?
Yes. Colorado's Front Range is one of the most hail-prone regions in the country, and wildfire losses can be catastrophic and complex. Both hail and wildfire claims are frequently disputed. 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.
How are large wildfire claims 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 90 to 120 days from the date the demand letter is sent. After a major hailstorm or wildfire event, timelines can vary with claim volume and the responsiveness of both parties, but appraisal remains far faster than litigation.
What types of property damage does Marshall Services appraise in Colorado?
We appraise all types of covered property damage including hail, wind, wildfire and smoke, fire, snow and ice, and water intrusion losses — for both residential and commercial properties across Colorado.
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 Colorado?
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 Colorado do you serve?
Marshall Services provides insurance appraisal and umpire services statewide in Colorado. The service area includes Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder, Pueblo, Lakewood, Greeley, and communities beyond the Front Range metros. Availability and travel arrangements depend on the property location, claim needs, and scheduling at the time of engagement.