Insurance Appraiser & ADR Umpire — Wichita Falls, Texas
Marshall Services provides independent insurance appraisal and ADR umpire services in Wichita Falls, Texas and Wichita County. Few Texas cities understand severe weather like Wichita Falls, where the catastrophic April 10, 1979 'Terrible Tuesday' tornado leveled neighborhoods and the same volatile atmosphere near the Red River still produces large hail, straight-line winds, and tornado threats every spring, plus winter ice storms that load roofs and snap limbs. Much of the housing stock dates to the mid-20th century, built during the post-war boom around Sheppard Air Force Base, with aging roofs, original windows, and construction details that national carrier pricing software undervalues, while Sheppard AFB and Midwestern State University sustain a steady rental market. Our IAUA CPAU-certified appraiser works only for policyholders, prices to Wichita County costs including older-material matching, and uses FAA Part 107 drone inspections on older and steep roofs. The appraisal clause resolves undervalued hail, wind, and ice-storm claims in 90–120 days for $1,000–$5,000. Serving Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Electra, Lakeside City, Pleasant Valley, Holliday, Archer City, Henrietta, and surrounding North Texas communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are storm claims on older Wichita Falls homes undervalued?
Frequently, yes. Much of Wichita Falls' housing dates to the mid-20th century, with aging roofs, original windows, and construction details that national carrier pricing software undervalues. A certified appraiser prices the actual materials and matching costs so your older home is restored properly and the claim is not undervalued.
Does Wichita Falls really still face major tornado and storm risk?
Yes. The 1979 'Terrible Tuesday' tornado is the most famous example, but the same volatile atmosphere near the Red River still produces large hail, straight-line winds, and tornado threats every spring. A local appraiser documents that storm damage accurately so your Wichita County claim is paid in full.
Is ice storm damage covered on a Wichita Falls policy?
Damage from the weight of ice, ice-laden limbs falling on structures, and related winter storm events is generally covered under most Texas policies. These claims are often undervalued, so an appraiser documents the full scope of ice-storm damage to your property to recover what repairs actually cost.
Which communities around Wichita Falls do you serve?
We serve Wichita Falls and Wichita County including Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Electra, Holliday, and surrounding North Texas communities, handling residential, rental, and commercial property damage claims.
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.