What is an appraisal demand?

A written notice invoking a contractual appraisal clause to determine the amount of loss or property value. It triggers selection of appraisers and, if needed, an umpire to issue a valuation.

How should I serve the demand?

Serve according to the policy's notice provisions or contract terms; document delivery with certified mail, courier receipt, or an auditable electronic transmission to avoid service disputes.

Can an appraisal demand be e-signed?

Yes; electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.

Does appraisal bind a court?

An appraisal award is typically binding on valuation if it follows the contract clause. Courts may review procedural compliance but usually defer to a valid appraisal outcome.

How is an umpire chosen?

If appraisers cannot agree, the appraisal clause often prescribes the umpire selection method. Parties should follow the clause or agree on a neutral umpire in writing.

Can a demand be revoked or amended?

Amendments or revocations should be in writing and served to all parties. Unilateral revocation after appraisal starts may be treated as waiver or abandonment depending on contract terms.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Legal
Legal Demand for Appraisal

Legal Demand for Appraisal

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

LEGAL DEMAND FOR APPRAISAL

This Demand for Appraisal is made by Claimant Name: whose mailing address is against Respondent Name: with mailing address concerning Claim Number: , Policy Number: , and Date of Loss: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, a dispute exists between the parties as to the amount of loss and the reasonable cost to repair or replace the insured property referenced above, and Claimant has submitted a proof of loss and supporting documentation to Respondent concerning the loss described above.

WHEREAS, the applicable insurance policy or contract between the parties contains an appraisal clause or other contractual provision allowing either party to demand appraisal to resolve disputes concerning the amount of loss or value; and Claimant asserts that appraisal is an available and appropriate remedy to determine the amount in dispute.

WHEREAS, Claimant makes this formal demand for appraisal without waiver of any rights, defenses, or positions with respect to coverage, liability, or any other issue reserved by either party, other than the submission of the specific valuation dispute to appraisal as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and the appraisal clause in the parties' policy or contract, Claimant demands that the disputed matter be submitted to appraisal under the following terms and procedures:

1. Demand for Appraisal

Claimant hereby demands appraisal to determine the fair market value or the amount of loss, as applicable under the policy, for the property and losses identified above. This Demand for Appraisal is made pursuant to the appraisal provision of the policy and applicable contract law, and constitutes a timely and proper invocation of the appraisal process.

2. Appraisers and Umpire

Within days of receipt of this demand, each party shall select a competent, disinterested appraiser who is a licensed or certified professional appraiser experienced in property valuation of the type at issue. Claimant's appraiser is: . Respondent's appraiser is: .

If the two appraisers are unable to agree upon an umpire within days of their appointment, either party may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint an umpire. Proposed umpire (if agreed): .

3. Scope, Standard and Methodology

The appraisal shall determine only the amount of loss or value as specified in the policy and shall not decide issues of coverage, causation, or liability, which remain reserved. The appraisal shall be conducted in accordance with recognized industry standards and generally accepted appraisal methodologies. The valuation basis shall be: Replacement Cost Actual Cash Value Agreed Value

The effective date for valuation shall be the Date of Loss specified above unless the parties expressly agree otherwise in writing.

4. Procedure and Timeline

The appointed appraisers shall within days of appointment exchange written itemized statements of the amounts claimed and the supporting documentation. The appraisers shall inspect the property at a mutually agreed time and place; proposed inspection date: . If the appraisers fail to reach agreement, they shall submit the matter to the umpire for a final determination of value.

5. Access, Documents and Cooperation

Respondent shall promptly make available all documents, records, estimates, photographs, reports, and other materials reasonably necessary for the appraisal, including but not limited to the policy, claim file, proof of loss, contractor estimates, and existing communications between the parties. Claimant shall afford reasonable access to the property and relevant records for inspection.

Describe property or items in dispute (if more space is needed, attach additional sheet):

6. Costs and Fees

Each party shall bear the fees and expenses of its chosen appraiser. The fees and expenses of the umpire shall be borne equally by the parties unless the appraisers or the umpire determine a different allocation is appropriate in light of the circumstances. Any agreement regarding allocation of costs must be reduced to writing and signed by both parties.

Proposed allocation or payment terms:

7. Confidentiality

Reports, submissions, appraisers' notes, and communications prepared solely for the appraisal process shall be treated as confidential and shall not be admissible in any proceeding except to enforce or challenge the appraisal award, or as otherwise required by law. Disclosure to counsel, retained experts, and parties is permitted for purposes of enforcing rights under this Demand.

8. Effect of Appraisal

The appraisal award shall be binding on the parties as to the amount of loss or valuation determined by the appraisers and umpire, but shall not resolve nor be construed to determine coverage, causation, or other legal defenses unless the parties expressly agree in writing to submit such issues. Nothing in this Demand shall waive any party's right to pursue judicial or administrative remedies on coverage or bad faith claims.

9. Notices

All notices, demands, or other communications required or permitted under this Demand shall be in writing and delivered to the parties at the addresses set forth below by personal delivery, certified mail (return receipt requested), or nationally recognized overnight courier. Notice shall be effective upon receipt or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

Notice address for Claimant/Insured: Notice address for Respondent/Insurer:

10. Governing Law; Miscellaneous Provisions

This Demand shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state identified for governing law: without regard to conflict of laws principles. Venue for any court action to enforce or interpret this Demand shall lie in the appropriate state or federal court located within that jurisdiction.

Entire Agreement: This Demand, together with the applicable policy provisions and any written agreements executed by the parties with respect to appraisal, constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the submission to appraisal and supersedes prior oral or written statements regarding the appraisal procedures.

Severability: If any provision of this Demand is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed to carry out the parties' intent to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Amendments and Waiver: Any amendment to this Demand must be in writing and signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision of this Demand shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the waiving party.

Counterparts: This Demand may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Facsimile or electronic signatures shall be deemed original if executed by an authorized representative of the signing party.

11. Reservation of Rights

Claimant expressly reserves all rights, remedies, and causes of action not expressly submitted to appraisal herein, including but not limited to claims for coverage, bad faith, punitive damages, statutory penalties, or other relief to the extent permitted by law.

This Demand is submitted on the following date: .

Claimant/Insured:

By:

Date:

Respondent/Insurer:

By:

Date:

What the Legal Demand for Appraisal Is and When it Applies

A Legal Demand for Appraisal is a formal written notice invoking an appraisal clause to resolve a disputed valuation for property, most commonly in property insurance claims or real estate value disputes. The demand asks each side to select a qualified appraiser who will determine value; if appraisers disagree, an impartial umpire may be appointed. The appraisal process focuses on determining the amount of loss or fair market value, not on liability. Properly prepared, a demand preserves contractual rights and frames the scope of the appraisal to limit later procedural disputes.

Why a Proper Appraisal Demand Matters and Its Legal Basis

Using a Legal Demand for Appraisal can resolve valuation disagreements outside court, narrow issues for litigation, and preserve contract remedies if the appraisal clause is followed. Electronic delivery and signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA where adopted; confirm any state-specific rules that alter procedure or service.

Who Typically Prepares or Responds to an Appraisal Demand

Common parties who prepare or receive appraisal demands include insured property owners, insurance companies, independent adjusters, and legal counsel handling claims or real estate disputes.

Insurance adjusters and claims teams — draft or acknowledge demands, coordinate appraiser selection, and manage evidence exchange.
Policyholders and property owners — prepare demand specifying the appraisal clause, loss items, and proposed appraiser.
Attorneys and claims counsel — ensure procedural compliance, preserve rights, and handle disputes over scope or timeliness.

Parties should confirm authority to act for the named insured or insurer and follow contract timelines closely to avoid waiver of appraisal rights.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Serving the Appraisal Demand

Follow a clear, documented sequence when preparing and serving the demand to avoid procedural objections and preserve appraisal rights.

01

Review Policy: Locate the appraisal clause and note any notice or time requirements.
02

Draft Demand: State the claim, cite the appraisal clause, name your appraiser, and set contact details.
03

Serve Notice: Send to the insurer's claims address and adjuster by required delivery method.
04

Record Proof: Keep delivery receipts, timestamps, and any signed acknowledgements.

Configuring an Online Appraisal Demand Workflow

Set up a predictable digital workflow to collect signatures, attachments, and proof of service while keeping an audit trail.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email link or SMS code for signer verification.
Attachments	Add photos, estimates, and policy pages as required.
Notifications	Auto-notify parties and store timestamps.
Retention	Retain signed PDF and audit trail per policy.

Where to Send and How the Appraisal Process Proceeds

Deliver the demand clearly and document each transmission. The process typically moves from demand to appraiser selection, then appraisal, and possibly umpire appointment.

Deliver Demand: Send to insurer claims address and adjuster email with proof of delivery.
Select Appraiser: Each party names an appraiser within policy or mutually agreed timeframe.
Appraisers Confer: Appraisers inspect, exchange reports, and attempt an agreement.
Umpire Appointment: If appraisers disagree, select an impartial umpire per clause.

Digital Delivery, Signing, and File Format Considerations

Use a platform that supports PDF and DOCX uploads, creates audit trails, and preserves timestamp metadata.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
Integrations: Works with Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
Security: TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest

Ensure the chosen provider can produce a tamper-evident PDF with a detailed audit trail and supports your required signer authentication (email, SMS code, or KBA) to strengthen enforceability.

Typical Timeline Items to Track When Sending a Demand

Track policy-specified deadlines and local procedural windows carefully; timing disputes are a common basis for waiver claims.

Policy Notice Deadline:

Follow the notice period specified in the policy language.

Appraiser Selection Period:

Each side must name an appraiser per clause or agreed schedule.

Umpire Selection Timing:

If needed, appraisers select an umpire per clause rules.

Inspection Scheduling:

Coordinate inspection times and evidence exchange promptly.

Record Retention:

Keep proof of service and communications until dispute resolution completes.

Key Milestones in the Appraisal Path

Track these sequential milestones and document each completion to preserve appraisal rights and maintain evidentiary clarity.

01

Issue Demand

Serve the formal demand and document proof of delivery.

02

Appraiser Appointment

Each party names its appraiser and shares qualifications.

03

Inspection and Report

Appraisers inspect property and exchange written opinions.

04

Umpire Decision

If needed, umpire resolves disagreement and issues final valuation.

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Failing to quote the correct appraisal clause or misidentifying the controlling policy language creates grounds for invalidation.
Using inconsistent party names or incorrect policy numbers leads insurers to challenge notice sufficiency or identity.
Sending demands by improper methods without documenting receipt (no certified mail or electronic proof) weakens the chain of custody.
Omitting required supporting materials, like photos or estimates, invites requests for more information and delays the process.

Potential Consequences of an Incorrect or Late Demand

Waiver Risk: Loss of appraisal rights

Delay Costs: Extended dispute resolution

Evidentiary Issues: Weakened proof of loss

Legal Fees: Increased litigation expense

Coverage Disputes: Arguments over scope or exclusions

Procedure Objections: Challenges to timeliness or service

Security and Compliance Basics for Electronic Demands

In Transit: TLS 1.2/1.3 encryption

At Rest: AES-256 encryption

Audit Trail: Detailed timestamped logs

Regulatory: ESIGN and UETA compliant

Healthcare: HIPAA (BAA required)

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001

Comparison: eSignature Options for Serving Appraisal Demands

Basic pricing and capability differences among representative eSignature vendors. Confirm current plan details and available features with each vendor before purchase.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Demands for Appraisal

Answers to common questions about preparing, serving, and enforcing appraisal demands, plus notes on electronic signatures and recordkeeping.

Need help? Contact support

What is an appraisal demand?
A written notice invoking a contractual appraisal clause to determine the amount of loss or property value. It triggers selection of appraisers and, if needed, an umpire to issue a valuation.
How should I serve the demand?
Serve according to the policy's notice provisions or contract terms; document delivery with certified mail, courier receipt, or an auditable electronic transmission to avoid service disputes.
Can an appraisal demand be e-signed?
Yes; electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.
Does appraisal bind a court?
An appraisal award is typically binding on valuation if it follows the contract clause. Courts may review procedural compliance but usually defer to a valid appraisal outcome.
How is an umpire chosen?
If appraisers cannot agree, the appraisal clause often prescribes the umpire selection method. Parties should follow the clause or agree on a neutral umpire in writing.
Can a demand be revoked or amended?
Amendments or revocations should be in writing and served to all parties. Unilateral revocation after appraisal starts may be treated as waiver or abandonment depending on contract terms.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now