What is the duty of an independent appraiser?

by Mike of the Ozarks » Wed Nov 18, 2009 06:36 pm

Should appraisers be allowed to use their expertise and own criteria or depend on insurance company guidelines when estimating losses to be paid to both policy holders and third party claimants?

A recent jury award in Connecticut may have set the precedent for following insurance company criteria as an unfair claims practice.
At least in this case, it was found that the insurer was controlling pricing by underpaying for procedures and paying for repairs less than prevailing rates. Guess what major insurer they next have their sights on?

http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Auto-body-shops-dent-Hartford-for-15M-255694.php

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hqyCe7xuFg4VDQTQcYKQrotyoWxQD9C20F901

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-thehartford1118.artnov18,0,960286.story

http://www.ctlawtribune.com/getarticle.aspx?ID=35545

Total Comments: 1

Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 08:31 pm Post Subject:

Should appraisers be allowed to use their expertise and own criteria or depend on insurance company guidelines when estimating losses to be paid to both policy holders and third party claimants?



No. Only adjusters have that ability/authority, they are a seperate entity-non-employee of the insurance company. Appraisers do not handle any of the above material.

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