Insurance Appraiser — Moore, Oklahoma
Marshall Services provides insurance appraisal and ADR umpire services in Moore, Oklahoma and Cleveland County. Moore is the most tornado-struck city in America, sitting in the bullseye of Tornado Alley between Oklahoma City and Norman — the May 3, 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore F5 produced the highest wind speed ever measured near the ground, and the May 20, 2013 EF5 carved near-total destruction through the city. Between those events, damaging hail and straight-line winds hit nearly every spring. Because Moore has been struck and rebuilt many times, its housing stock spans every era, with storm shelters and varying code standards, so fair scoping must account for structural racking, upgraded materials, and the true cost to rebuild each structure. Our IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser works only for policyholders, documents the full scope of a loss, prices Xactimate estimates to real Moore-area costs, and uses FAA Part 107 drone inspections. The appraisal clause resolves undervalued losses in 90–120 days for $1,000–$5,000. Serving Norman, Oklahoma City, Newcastle, Noble, and Goldsby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Moore considered the most tornado-prone city in the country?
Moore sits in the bullseye of Tornado Alley and has been struck by multiple violent tornadoes, including the May 3, 1999 F5 — which produced the highest wind speed ever measured near the ground — and the May 20, 2013 EF5. Between those events, damaging hail and straight-line winds hit nearly every spring, so Moore homeowners face storm damage far more often than most.
Do you handle total-loss and structural-racking damage, not just roofs?
Yes. Moore losses often go well beyond the roof to structural racking, wind-borne debris impact, and interior water intrusion. We document the full scope of the damage and build Xactimate estimates that account for current building codes and the true cost to restore your specific structure.
My Moore home was rebuilt after a past tornado — does that complicate a claim?
It can. Moore's building stock spans many eras and rebuild standards, and a fair settlement has to reflect upgraded materials, code requirements, and storm-shelter construction. We scope each structure individually so your settlement matches what your home actually needs.
Which Cleveland County communities do you serve?
We serve all of Moore and Cleveland County, including Norman, Oklahoma City, Newcastle, Noble, and Goldsby, handling both residential and commercial property damage with FAA Part 107 drone inspections.
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.