One of the most common questions we receive from Texas property owners who want to invoke their appraisal clause is: What actually happens, and how long will it take?
The process is more structured than most people expect — and faster than they fear. Here is a realistic, week-by-week overview of what to expect.
Before the Clock Starts: Setting the Stage
The appraisal process formally begins when you send your written demand for appraisal to your insurer. Before you get to that point, you'll typically have:
- Filed your insurance claim
- Received the carrier's settlement offer or scope
- Concluded that the offer is too low or incomplete
- Decided to invoke the appraisal clause
Important: Most Texas policies require that there be a genuine dollar dispute before you can invoke. A carrier that hasn't made an offer yet, or that has accepted liability and is still adjusting, may challenge a premature demand.
The Timeline
Week 1–2: Written Demand
You send your written appraisal demand to the insurer — certified mail, return receipt requested. The demand should:
- Reference the specific policy provision
- State that you are invoking the appraisal clause
- Name your appointed appraiser (or reserve the right to name one shortly after)
The insurer typically has 10–14 days to acknowledge the demand and appoint their own appraiser, though your policy will specify the exact timeframe.
Week 2–3: Appraiser Appointments
Both appraisers are formally appointed. Your appraiser should be:
- Competent — knowledgeable in property damage and estimating
- Disinterested — no financial stake in the outcome (important: your contractor, PA, or attorney cannot serve as your appraiser)
At REG Consulting, once we're appointed, we reach out to the carrier's appraiser within 24 hours to begin coordinating.
Week 3–4: Property Inspections
Both appraisers inspect the property. This can happen:
- Jointly — both appraisers inspect at the same time, which often promotes agreement
- Independently — each appraiser inspects separately, then exchanges reports
Joint inspections tend to be faster and often surface agreement on many items early. We prefer joint inspections whenever possible.
During the inspection:
- Damage is photographed and documented
- Measurements are taken
- Scope of work is assessed
Week 4–6: Estimate Preparation
Each appraiser prepares a detailed Xactimate estimate based on their inspection. This includes:
- Line-by-line scope of work
- Material and labor pricing for your area
- Code upgrade requirements
- Supporting documentation
Week 5–8: Appraisers Exchange and Negotiate
The appraisers exchange their estimates and begin working toward an agreed amount. This process involves:
- Reviewing each other's scope line by line
- Identifying items both agree on (these are often the majority)
- Focusing negotiation on disputed items
- Exchanging documentation for contested items
In most cases, the two appraisers agree on the majority of items — the dispute typically centers on a smaller set of contested line items.
Week 6–10: Agreement or Umpire Invocation
If the appraisers agree: Both sign the award. Done. The carrier pays within the policy's timeframe.
If they can't agree on all items: They jointly select a neutral umpire. The umpire reviews both positions, may inspect the property, and issues a binding decision on the disputed items.
Umpire selection and decision typically adds 2–4 weeks to the process.
Final: Award Payment
Once the award is signed, most Texas policies require the insurer to pay within 5 business days. Some policies allow up to 15–20 days.
Total timeline: For straightforward claims with cooperative parties, the process often resolves in 30–45 days from demand. More complex commercial claims, high-dollar disputes, or cases requiring an umpire may take 60–90 days.
Compare that to litigation, which typically runs 12–36 months.
Factors That Can Slow the Process
Non-responsive carriers: If the insurer delays appointing their appraiser or responding to communications, timelines extend. Documenting all contact (and gaps) is important.
Access issues: Properties that are difficult to inspect, occupied commercial spaces, or multi-family buildings may require scheduling flexibility.
Complex damage: High-dollar commercial claims with multiple buildings, systems, and damage types take longer to properly document and estimate.
Umpire availability: Finding a qualified, neutral umpire both sides agree on can take 1–2 weeks.
What You Need to Do
As the policyholder, your primary responsibilities are:
- Send the written demand promptly after deciding to invoke
- Appoint a qualified appraiser (like REG Consulting) — do not appoint your contractor, PA, or attorney
- Provide property access for inspections
- Cooperate with the process — provide policy documents, prior communications, and any other documentation your appraiser requests
Your appraiser handles everything else.
Ready to Start?
If you're ready to invoke the appraisal clause on your Texas property insurance claim, REG Consulting can serve as your appointed appraiser. We typically schedule property inspections within 1–2 weeks of appointment.
Request an appraisal or contact us to discuss your situation.
Rene Goodall
Rene Goodall is a Texas Licensed Independent Adjuster with Xactimate certification and 300+ completed appraisals across Texas. He serves as appraiser for both policyholders and insurance carriers.