Most Virginia policyholders never read the appraisal clause until they need it. It’s a single paragraph, usually under “Conditions,” and it carries more weight than its length suggests. Here’s a typical Virginia appraisal clause, sentence by sentence. Your policy’s wording controls, so compare it with your own form.
“If you and we fail to agree on the amount of loss…”
This sets the scope. Appraisal is about the amount of loss: how much the damage costs to repair or replace. It isn’t about whether the damage is covered. If the insurer says the roof damage is wear and tear, that’s a coverage position. If it agrees hail damaged the roof but pays for half of it, that’s an amount-of-loss dispute.
“…either may demand an appraisal of the loss.”
Either side can start the process. The demand should be in writing, identify the claim and say you disagree on the amount. Keep proof of when it was sent and received.
“Each party will choose a competent and disinterested appraiser within 20 days…”
Two key words: competent and disinterested. Competent means qualified to value this kind of loss. Disinterested generally means no financial stake in the result beyond a fair fee. The 20-day window is common but not universal.
“The two appraisers will choose an umpire…”
The appraisers pick a neutral. If they can’t agree within the time the policy sets, often 15 days, either party can usually ask a court of record in the state where the property is located to select one.
“…an agreement in writing of any two will set the amount of loss.”
This is what makes appraisal binding. Two signatures, whether both appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire, set the number. It’s why preparation matters so much before the demand.
“Each party will pay its own appraiser and bear the other expenses of the appraisal and umpire equally.”
You pay your appraiser. The umpire’s fee is usually split. Factor both into your decision with our claim gap and fee estimator.
What the clause doesn’t say
- It doesn’t pause your suit-limitation deadline.
- It doesn’t decide coverage, bad faith or attorney’s fees.
- It may not say what happens to items one side says aren’t covered. A clear award form should list those separately.
For the full sequence, see how appraisal works in Virginia.