Why start with a review
Appraisal is a commitment of time and money for both sides. Before you demand it, you should know whether the carrier’s number is actually short, by how much, and why. Many Maryland policyholders receive an estimate that runs dozens of pages in insurance-software format and have no practical way to check it. A review translates that document into plain terms and measures it against the damage you have.
Sometimes the answer is that the estimate is reasonable. Sometimes it is missing a few items that a short supplement request could fix. And sometimes the gap is large enough that appraisal is the logical next step. All three outcomes are useful to know.
What a review looks at
- Scope. Are all damaged areas, elevations and rooms included?
- Quantities. Do the measurements match the property – roof squares, wall area, flooring, linear trim?
- Pricing. Are unit costs in line with your part of Maryland?
- Method. Does the estimate reflect how a contractor would actually do the work, including tear-out, protection and cleanup?
- Depreciation. Is it applied reasonably, and is recoverable depreciation clearly shown?
- Overhead and profit. Is general-contractor overhead and profit included where several trades are needed?
Gaps we often flag in Maryland estimates
| Item | What we check |
|---|---|
| Rowhouse membrane roofs | Flashing at party walls and parapets, coordination with adjoining roofs |
| Slate and historic materials | Matching slate, copper work and labor rates in historic districts |
| Discontinued shingles and siding | Whether a partial repair can match or a full plane or elevation is needed |
| Plaster interiors | Plaster versus drywall pricing and blending into existing finishes |
| Code items | Drip edge, underlayment, electrical and egress work required on repair |
| Mitigation invoices | Drying logs, equipment days and removal decisions |
| Contents and ALE | Depreciation rates, missing items and realistic displacement periods |
How the review fits the Maryland claim process
Maryland regulations set general standards for how insurers investigate and pay claims, and the Maryland Insurance Administration takes complaints when a policyholder believes those standards weren’t met. A review doesn’t replace either avenue. What it does is give you a clear, itemized picture of the disagreement, which helps whether you go back to the adjuster with a supplement, file an MIA complaint, talk with an attorney or move toward appraisal. Many disputes shrink once both sides are looking at the same measurements and the same list of missing items.
What you receive
At the end of a review, Maryland Insurance Appraiser gives you a written summary of where the carrier’s estimate and the actual damage diverge, the approximate size of the gap by category, and a recommendation: accept, request a supplement, or consider appraisal. If appraisal looks justified, you will have a head start, because much of the groundwork is already done.
Weighing the gap against the cost
Whether appraisal makes sense depends on the size of the disputed amount and what the process will cost you. Our claim gap and fee estimator lets you run that comparison with your own figures. Any numbers you see there are illustrative; your actual outcome depends on the facts of your claim and the panel’s decision.
What to send us
- The carrier’s full estimate, including any revisions.
- Your declarations page and the policy form if you have it.
- Photos of the damage, ideally before repairs began.
- Any contractor estimates or invoices you have received.
- Letters from the insurer explaining its position.
If the review shows that appraisal is the right path, we can continue as your appraiser through our appraisal demand representation service.
Questions about carrier estimate review
Do I have to demand appraisal after an estimate review?
No. The review is meant to help you decide. Many Maryland policyholders use it to request a supplement from the insurer, accept the estimate with confidence, or move ahead with appraisal.
Can you review an estimate if repairs are already finished?
Yes. Photos, invoices and the contractor’s final bill can support a review after the fact, although pre-repair photos make the comparison much stronger.
Is an estimate review the same as hiring a public adjuster?
No. We are not public adjusters and don’t negotiate the claim on your behalf outside the appraisal process. The review is a valuation analysis you can use however you choose.