b'LEGALLY SPEAKINGNAVIGATING APPRAISALTHE COST, RISKS, AND ROLE OF LEGAL CONSULTATIONBy: Michelle C. Le, Law Offices of Michelle C. Le, PLLCIntroduction coverage and can refuse to pay the award. Therefore, Property and Casualty (P&C)policyholders must grasp the implications of pursuing insuranceprovidesessentialthis path, especially in states with intricate case law protectionagainstunforeseenon the matter. Additionally, policyholders bear the propertydamages.However,costs of their appraiser and half of the umpire fee, if disputesbetweenpolicyholdersrequired, which can exacerbate financial strain. More and insurance companies over the cost and scopeimportantly, these costs are typically not recoverable of damages can arise, leading to frustration andfrom the insurance company. financial strain. In such cases, appraisal can serveRoofing contractors often act as the initial point of as a vital tool for resolution. Yet, in recommendingcontact for policyholders dealing with storm damages, appraisal to policyholders, roofing contractors play arelying on their expertise in damage assessment pivotal role in identifying and repairing damages. Thisand cost estimation. Consequently, policyholders underscores the importance of advising policyholdersfrequently lean on their guidance during the insurance to seek legal counsel before initiating the appraisalclaims process. While recommending appraisal may process, aiming to shield roofing contractors fromseemstraightforward,roofingcontractorsmust liability and safeguard policyholders from potentialexercise caution. Notably, appraisal determines the loss of essential remedies against insurers. total loss amount, not solely roof damages. Failure Appraisal Process and its Importance to fully identify damages before appraisal may result One of the critical aspects of appraisal is itsin their omission. Moreover, roof damage disputes binding nature. Once the appraisal award is issued,during appraisal are common due to assessment it is usually considered final and legally binding,complexities, differing opinions on repair versus barring any exceptional circumstances. However,replacement,anddisagreementoverdamage the insurance company still reserves its right to denyextent. Insurers may aim to minimize payouts, while policyholders advocate for comprehensive coverage. 12 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'