Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Services — Louisiana
Marshall Services LLC provides independent, impartial insurance appraisal and umpire services for property damage claims throughout Louisiana. IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser Marshall Smith uses Xactimate estimating software, FAA Part 107 drone inspections, and construction expertise to resolve disputes over hurricane, tropical storm, flood, wind, hail, and fire damage for residential and commercial properties. We serve policyholders, insurance carriers, contractors, public adjusters, and attorneys statewide — including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Shreveport. Additional services include expert witness testimony for property insurance litigation and loss consulting to help property owners document and present their claims. Service areas: Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an insurance appraisal in Louisiana?
An insurance appraisal is a binding process found in most Louisiana 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 hurricane and named storm claims?
Yes. Hurricane and named storm claims are among the most disputed property claims in Louisiana — often involving large dollar gaps between the carrier's estimate and the true cost of repair. 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 wind and storm damage.
Does appraisal cover flood damage claims?
Appraisal applies to the covered perils in your specific policy. Many Louisiana losses involve both wind and water, and separating wind-driven damage from flood damage is often a key point of dispute. Marshall Services documents the full scope of property damage with Xactimate and drone evidence so the amount of loss for each covered peril is supported and defensible.
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 hurricane, timelines can vary with the volume of claims and the responsiveness of both parties, but appraisal remains far faster than litigation.
What types of property damage does Marshall Services appraise in Louisiana?
We appraise all types of covered property damage including hurricane and tropical storm, wind, hail, fire and smoke, water intrusion, and flood-related losses — for both residential and commercial properties across Louisiana.
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.
Do you handle insurance appraisals anywhere in Louisiana?
Marshall Services accepts insurance appraisal and umpire assignments throughout Louisiana. Service is not limited to a single city or parish, although scheduling depends on property access, assignment needs, and current availability. Contact the practice with the property location and claim details to confirm whether the assignment can be accepted.
How much does an insurance appraisal cost in Louisiana?
Appraisal cost varies with the property's size, damage scope, documentation, and complexity. Each side generally pays its own appraiser, and the parties typically share any umpire fee according to the policy. Marshall Services can discuss the expected fee structure after reviewing the assignment, while your policy governs how appraisal expenses are allocated.