Louisiana Appraisal Clause Guide
Most Louisiana homeowner and commercial property policies contain an appraisal clause — a contractual mechanism that lets you and your insurer each hire an independent appraiser when you disagree on the value of a covered loss. If those two appraisers can't agree, they jointly select a neutral umpire whose decision on disputed items is binding. If you are ready to start, see our step-by-step guide to invoking appraisal and our insurance appraisal process guide.
When Can You Invoke It?
You can demand appraisal any time you and your insurer disagree on the amount of the loss — not on whether coverage applies. Typical triggers:
- The insurer's estimate is lower than contractor quotes you've received
- The insurer denies line items you believe are covered (scope disputes)
- The insurer's adjuster and your contractor can't agree on unit costs
Louisiana policyholders should be aware that insurers in Louisiana are required under La. R.S. 22:1892 to pay undisputed portions of claims within 30 days. The appraisal process addresses only the disputed amount — the insurer must still pay what is not in dispute on time. After a named storm, many Louisiana disputes begin with the Louisiana hurricane insurance claim dispute guide.
How the Process Works
- Demand appraisal in writing. Review your policy for the specific language — typically found in the "Conditions" section. Send written demand to the insurer's claims address.
- Each party selects a competent, independent appraiser. The appraiser must be impartial and have no financial stake in the outcome beyond their fee.
- The two appraisers attempt to agree. They inspect the property, review documentation, and try to reach a joint award.
- If they disagree, they select an umpire. The umpire reviews the two appraisers' positions and issues a written award on disputed items. Agreement of any two of the three (both appraisers, or one appraiser + umpire) is binding.
- The insurer pays the award. The process is binding on both parties for the amount of loss — it does not waive any coverage defenses.
Policyholder-Side vs. Insurer-Side Appraisers
Your insurer will hire an appraiser who works for them routinely. You should hire someone who works exclusively for policyholders — someone with no ongoing relationship with the insurance company and no incentive to undervalue your claim.
Every professional in this directory works policyholder-side only. If you are weighing appraisal against going to court, our insurance appraisal vs. litigation guide compares the two paths. Related Louisiana-specific context includes our Louisiana bad faith insurance claims appraisal guide, can I choose my own insurance appraiser, the New Orleans hurricane insurance claim appraisal guide, the Baton Rouge hurricane insurance claim appraisal guide, and the Shreveport hurricane insurance claim appraisal guide.
Related Guides
For the full index of loss-type, process, and state-specific guides, visit the guides and resources hub or the FAQ index.
- How to Choose an Appraiser
- Appraiser vs. Public Adjuster
- Baton Rouge Hurricane Insurance Claim Appraisal
- Shreveport Hurricane Insurance Claim Appraisal