Short answer: When you and your insurer agree a loss is covered but disagree on the amount, the appraisal clause gives you a way to settle it without a lawsuit. In California and Minnesota, the standard fire policy sets the steps: each side names an appraiser within 20 days, the appraisers pick an umpire, and a judge can step in if they can't agree within 15 days. Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Michigan use the same basic 20-day and 15-day steps, while Massachusetts uses a three-referee process.
Appraisal usually settles the amount of loss, not whether the loss is covered. Read your own policy's appraisal section; this table is general information.
The table
| State | Choosing appraisers | Umpire and process | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Each side picks a competent, disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days of the request | The appraisers pick an umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a judge picks one at either side's request. Appraisal is informal (no formal discovery) unless both sides agree otherwise | Cal. Ins. Code §2071 (standard fire policy, Appraisal) |
| Louisiana | For residential policies issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2025: after a written demand, each side picks a competent appraiser and names them within 20 days of receiving the demand | The appraisers pick a competent, impartial umpire; if they haven't agreed within 15 days, a judge where the property is located appoints one. Appraisers have 30 days (60 if both agree) before sending differences to the umpire. Appraisers and umpires must register with the Commissioner of Insurance | La. R.S. 22:1892(G); 22:1807.1-.27 (Act 625 of 2024) |
| Maine | On written demand of either side, each picks a competent and disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days | The appraisers pick a disinterested umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a judge of a court of record picks one on request. An itemized written award by any two sets the amount; each side pays its own appraiser and they split umpire and appraisal costs | 24-A M.R.S. §3002 (standard fire policy, Appraisal) |
| Massachusetts | If the parties fail to agree on the amount of loss, it goes to three disinterested referees: the company and the insured each choose one from three people named by the other, and those two choose the third | A majority's written award is final on the amount and, unless waived, is a condition before suing; no one may act as referee over a party's objection if they served in a like capacity within four months | M.G.L. c.175 §99 (standard fire policy) |
| Michigan | If you and the insurer disagree on actual cash value or the amount of loss, either may demand appraisal in writing; each side picks a competent, independent appraiser and names them within 20 days of receiving the demand | The appraisers pick a competent, impartial umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, either side may ask a circuit court judge for the county of the loss or property to pick one. The appraisers set loss and actual cash value item by item | MCL §500.2833(1)(m) |
| Minnesota | Each side picks a competent, disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days of the demand; if one side doesn't, a district court judge may appoint one after 5 days' written notice | The appraisers pick an umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a judge may appoint one after 5 days' written notice | Minn. Stat. §65A.01 (standard fire policy, Appraisal) |
| New Hampshire | On written demand of either side, each picks a competent and disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days | The appraisers pick a disinterested umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a judge of a court of record picks one on request. An itemized written award by any two sets the amount; each side pays its own appraiser and they split umpire and appraisal costs | RSA 407:22 (standard fire policy, Appraisal) |
| Oklahoma | On written demand of either side, each picks a competent and disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days | The appraisers pick a disinterested umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a district judge in the county of the loss picks one on request, after certified-mail notice of hearing. An itemized written award by any two, filed with the insurer, sets actual cash value and loss; each side pays its own appraiser and splits the umpire's cost | 36 O.S. § 4803 |
| Rhode Island | On written demand of either side, each picks a competent and disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days | The appraisers pick a disinterested umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a judge of a court of record picks one on request. An itemized written award by any two sets the amount; each side pays its own appraiser and they split umpire and appraisal costs | R.I. Gen. Laws §27-5-3 (standard fire policy, Appraisal) |
| Wisconsin | In the Wisconsin standard fire policy form: on written demand of either side, each picks a competent and disinterested appraiser and names them within 20 days | The appraisers pick a disinterested umpire; if they can't agree within 15 days, a judge of a court of record picks one on request. An itemized written award by any two, filed with the insurer, sets actual cash value and loss; each side pays its own appraiser and splits the umpire's cost | Wis. Admin. Code Ins 6.76(3)(L) |
We list only states where we read the official text ourselves in October 2026. A state that is missing is not covered here; check that state's statute or insurance department.
Before you request appraisal
- Get the insurer's estimate in writing and compare it line by line with your contractor's.
- Pick an appraiser who is independent. The laws in this table call for a competent, disinterested or independent appraiser.
- Watch your deadlines. See claim and lawsuit deadlines.
See the state insurance rules hub.
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Methodology
Each row was read from the official source linked in the Source column in October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See also the state insurance rules hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is home insurance appraisal?
It's a process in the policy for settling disagreements over the amount of a loss. Each side picks an appraiser, and an umpire decides any differences.
How long do I have to name an appraiser in California?
Within 20 days of the appraisal request, under the standard fire policy in Cal. Ins. Code §2071.
What if the appraisers can't agree on an umpire?
In both California and Minnesota, a judge can select the umpire if the appraisers can't agree within 15 days.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.