When the amount of loss is in dispute.
If you and your homeowners carrier do not agree on what the damage is worth, the policy’s appraisal clause lets each side name an appraiser. I am an independent appraiser. I apply the same method whether you name me or the company does. I work Dallas–Fort Worth hail, wind, water, and fire files.
This is the right tool when
The carrier has addressed the claim, but you and the company do not agree on the dollar amount of the loss
The estimates for roof, siding, interior, or other dwelling repairs do not match
The policy includes an appraisal clause (most Texas homeowners policies do, and personal residential policies issued or renewed in 2026 are required to include one)
This is not the right tool when the dispute is coverage: a full denial, or “this is not covered.” Appraisal sets the amount of loss. It does not decide coverage. That is work for a public adjuster or an attorney, not for me.
How Texas homeowners appraisal works
Either side makes a written demand for appraisal under the policy.
Each side names a competent, disinterested appraiser.
I inspect the property, review the estimates and photos, and set an amount of loss.
I meet the other appraiser and try to agree.
If we cannot agree, we choose an umpire. Any two of the three sign the award. That number is the amount of loss.
Before you name me, I will tell you whether appraisal is actually the right process for your file. If it is not, I will say so.
What you are hiring me to do
I am an appraiser, not a public adjuster, and I do not advocate for either party.
I will: inspect and scope the loss; prepare a supportable amount of loss (Xactimate where it belongs); work with the other appraiser; work toward an award that reflects the damage.
I will not: take over the claim; argue coverage, liability, or extra-contractual damages; act as contractor or lawyer; promise a specific dollar outcome.
If you already have a public adjuster, that is fine. They handle the claim. I handle the appraisal appointment.
Why this matters in Texas right now
As of 2026, Texas requires an appraisal provision on personal residential policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. Either side can typically demand it. Deadlines are short. Read your policy for the exact wording. This is not legal advice. If the file needs a lawyer, I will say that instead of taking it.
Dallas–Fort Worth hail, wind, and water
Most homeowner files here are storm: roofs and dwelling envelopes after DFW hail, wind, and water that began with a covered weather event. Fire and larger residential losses by agreement.
Based in The Colony. Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, and the rest of North Texas.
What it costs
I charge a flat rate, quoted in writing before you name me. No surprise invoice after the award.
If I am already named on the other side of the same loss, I will decline. An appraiser has to be disinterested.
FAQ
Is this the same as hiring a public adjuster?
No. A public adjuster handles the claim. An appraiser is named after there is a dispute on the amount of loss. I do the second job, not the first, and I do not advocate for either side.
Do I have to go to court?
Appraisal is in the policy so you usually do not. The award sets the amount of loss. It does not decide coverage.
How fast can you start?
If I can take the file I will say so the same day. Once appraisal is demanded, each side often has about 20 days to name an appraiser.
Can you be named on a State Farm, Allstate, USAA, or Texas Farm Bureau file?
Yes, as either side’s appraiser, unless I am already named on that same file. I will check that before I am appointed.
What should I send first?
The estimate or correspondence on the amount, photos, the demand if you already sent one, and the appraisal wording from the policy if you have it.
Send the estimate. I will tell you if appraisal is the right move.
Austin Enty, CPCU, AIC, CPIA. Independent insurance appraiser. Dallas–Fort Worth. Unbiased as to who names me.