Virginia Insurance Claim Appraisers

Can AppraiseItNow handle insurance claim appraisals in Virginia?

Yes, AppraiseItNow provides insurance claim appraisals throughout Virginia for a wide range of asset types. Our appraisers are experienced with Virginia-specific requirements and insurer standards.

What kinds of assets can be appraised for an insurance claim in Virginia?

We appraise a broad range of assets for insurance claim purposes, including vehicles, personal property, equipment, artwork, business assets, and inventory. Each appraisal is tailored to the specific item and the nature of the claim.

Are your insurance claim appraisals USPAP compliant?

Yes, all appraisals completed by AppraiseItNow follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This ensures your report meets the professional and ethical standards required by insurers and courts in Virginia.

Why would someone in Virginia need a professional appraisal for an insurance claim?

Virginia policyholders frequently need independent appraisals when disputes arise over the amount of loss, whether for vehicle repairs, total loss valuations, or damaged personal property. Virginia's Bureau of Insurance enforces specific standards under § 38.2-510, making a credible, well-documented appraisal essential for resolving these disagreements fairly.

Can I get an insurance claim appraisal in Virginia done remotely?

Yes, AppraiseItNow offers remote and online appraisal options for many asset types. Depending on the item and the insurer's requirements, our appraisers can work from photos, documentation, and other submitted materials to complete a thorough report.

How is pricing determined for an insurance claim appraisal in Virginia?

Fees depend on the asset type and scope of the appraisal. Visit our pricing page for ranges or contact us.

How long does an insurance claim appraisal typically take in Virginia?

Turnaround times vary by asset type:

• Vehicles: 3 to 5 days
• Personal property and equipment: 7 to 10 days
• Artwork: 5 to 7 days for simple projects, 2 to 3 weeks for complex assignments
• Business valuations: 2 to 4 weeks
• Inventory: 2 to 4 weeks

Who prepares the appraisal report?

All reports are prepared by qualified, credentialed appraisers with relevant expertise in the asset being evaluated. AppraiseItNow ensures that the appraiser assigned to your claim has the background needed to produce a defensible, professional report.

Are there Virginia-specific rules that affect how insurance claim appraisals work?

Yes, Virginia has several important rules governing insurance claim appraisals. Under § 38.2-510, motor vehicle repair appraisals must be based on personal inspection, and insurers cannot require policyholders to submit photos or videos as a substitute. Legislation effective July 1, 2022 also requires that appraisers and umpires be impartial and meet statutory standards, removing prior residency requirements.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

You will typically need to provide a description of the asset, documentation of ownership, any existing insurance policy details, and information about the nature of the loss or damage. The more detail you can share upfront, the faster we can match you with the right appraiser and begin the process.

Will an AppraiseItNow appraisal be accepted by insurers and courts in Virginia?

Our appraisals are prepared to meet insurer, legal, and regulatory standards in Virginia. Because they are USPAP compliant and prepared by credentialed professionals, they are well-suited for use in insurance claim disputes, litigation, and proceedings before the Virginia Bureau of Insurance.

How does the binding appraisal process work when an insurer and policyholder disagree on a loss amount in Virginia?

When a dispute arises over the amount of loss under a standard Virginia auto policy, either party can demand appraisal in writing. Each side selects a competent, impartial appraiser, and those appraisers appoint an umpire. If the appraisers cannot agree, the umpire resolves the difference, and a decision by any two of the three parties is binding on the value of the loss.

Can an insurance claim appraisal in Virginia resolve coverage disputes or questions about liability?

No, appraisals in Virginia are limited to determining the amount of loss and do not address coverage disputes or liability questions. Issues such as policy exclusions remain outside the scope of appraisal and must be resolved through litigation if contested.

What triggered the 2021 ruling in Craun v. Erie Ins. Co., and how does it affect insurance appraisals in Virginia?

The Winchester Circuit Court ruled in Craun v. Erie Ins. Co. that appraisals cannot include damages the insurer has declared excluded under the policy, limiting the appraisal process to covered losses only. This means appraisers in Virginia address the value of covered damage, while coverage disputes are reserved for the courts.

What typically triggers the mandatory appraisal clause in a Virginia insurance policy?

A disagreement over the amount of loss triggers the mandatory appraisal clause, which can apply to repair cost disputes, supplement rejections by body shops, or total loss valuations. Either party may demand appraisal in writing once coverage has been established but the parties cannot agree on the dollar amount of the loss.

Does Virginia law allow an insurer to require a policyholder to submit photos or videos instead of conducting a personal inspection?

No, § 38.2-510 prohibits insurers from mandating that policyholders submit photos or videos as a replacement for a personal inspection. While initial estimates may reference such media, the personal inspection requirement remains the foundation of a proper motor vehicle repair appraisal in Virginia.