b'RESIDENTIAL & STEEP SLOPE Continued from page 21out the burden of outside influence and bias inthat are insufficient to address the full scope determining what is accurate.of the damage, leading to future problems Settling the loss through appraisal can befor the homeowner. For example, they might invaluable when disputing a low or inaccuratesuggest patching over damage instead of a full insurance claim, as it provides a professional,roof replacement, even if the roofs structural third-party perspective that is difficult for theintegrity has been compromised. They may insurance company to dismiss. Once therecommend performing a repair to the top appraisal award is signed by two parties it islayer of shingles on a roof with two layers even binding.if there is water intrusion. A knowledgeable, professional appraiser will provide evidence Establishing Fair Costs: that a more extensive repair or replacement is One common point of contention in insurancenecessary, ensuring the homeowner receives disputes is the cost of materials and labor.the appropriate level of work. An appraiser Insurance companies may rely on outdatedunderstands the repairs and processes or regional price averages, while roofingnecessary for you to keep your certifications contractors are better equipped to providewith shingle manufacturers and what goes accurate, up-to-date pricing based on localinto achieving the highest and best warranty market conditions. An appraisal offers apossible for your clients and will make the case realistic estimate of what the project willfor these methods in appraisal. actually cost, backed by your expertise and3. Strengthening Your Position in industry knowledge. One great example of thisNegotiationsis with copper features on a roof. In most areas,Disputing an insurance claim without software like Xactimate or Symbility that areunderstanding the process and how to present used by carriers undervalue copper materialsthe evidence can be an uphill battle. Without by as much as 900%! You are reading thata professional appraiser, the argument often correctly, it is not uncommon for copper to beboils down to the contractors word against the that far off and the appraisal panel can addressinsurance adjusters report, with the insurance these types of disputes.company holding all of the power in the 2. Protecting Your Clients Interests andnegotiation.Build your Reputation Disputing a claim through appraisal levels the As a roofing contractor, your primaryplaying field by taking the negotiation away responsibility is to your clients, who trustfrom the insurance carrier and moving it to a you to provide the best possible service andneutral third party.guidance. When an insurance company deniesIndependent Appraisal Process:the obvious damage and you are not able to dispute this damage yourself, a professionalMost insurance policies contain an appraisal appraiser can dispute this on the insuredsclause, and many states have mandates behalf, giving you the opportunity to getthat carriers participate in appraisal as an the job when the dispute is won. Having aalternative method of dispute resolution. This relationship with a professional appraiser thatprocess mandates both the homeowner and you know and trust will build your reputation.the insurance company to hire independent By recommending to a homeowner this trustedappraisers to resolve disputes. If the two appraiser to dispute an insurance claim on theirappraisers cannot reach an agreement their behalf, youre protecting your clients interests,positions are presented to the umpire. An ensuring they receive the coverage they areappraisal is settled when two of the three entitled to.parties agree to the amount agreed upon Ensuring Proper Repairs: and the award letter is then signed by two of the participants in the process. The agreed Insurance companies may recommend repairsestimate is accompanied by an award letter 22 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'