Question 1

Will invoking appraisal hurt my relationship with insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

No. The appraisal clause is a contractual right in the policy. Insurance companies expect it to be used when there are legitimate disputes. It's a professional, legal process that doesn't damage relationships.

Question 2

How long does the appraisal process take?

Accepted Answer

Most appraisals are resolved within 30-60 days. The insurance company must respond promptly once the appraisal clause is invoked, either by settling fairly or appointing their own appraiser.

Question 3

Will this affect my customer's insurance premiums?

Accepted Answer

No. Using the appraisal clause is not a claim—it's a dispute resolution process for an existing claim. It does not count against the policyholder or affect their premiums.

Question 4

What is the appraisal clause in auto insurance?

Accepted Answer

The appraisal clause is a provision in most auto insurance policies that allows policyholders to dispute the insurance company's damage valuation. When invoked, both parties appoint independent appraisers to determine the fair amount owed for repairs.

Question 5

How do body shops benefit from the appraisal process?

Accepted Answer

Body shops benefit by receiving proper payment for OEM parts, correct labor rates, ADAS calibrations, and all necessary repairs. This eliminates the need to ask customers to pay out-of-pocket differences or compromise on repair quality.

Question 6

What is the Right to Appraisal (RTA) for repair disputes?

Accepted Answer

The Right to Appraisal (RTA) is a contractual provision in most auto insurance policies that allows policyholders to dispute the amount an insurance company offers for collision repairs. When a body shop's repair estimate exceeds the insurance company's offer, the customer can invoke their Right to Appraisal to have independent licensed appraisers determine the fair repair cost. This process helps body shops get fully paid for proper repairs including OEM parts, correct labor rates, and ADAS calibrations.

Question 7

How can a body shop fight insurance supplement denials?

Accepted Answer

Body shops can help customers fight supplement denials by educating them about the Right to Appraisal clause in their insurance policy. When insurance denies payment for necessary repairs, OEM parts, or procedures, the customer can invoke the appraisal clause. A licensed body shop appraiser then represents the customer to negotiate fair payment with the insurance company's appraiser.

Question 8

What is a body shop appraiser?

Accepted Answer

A body shop appraiser is a licensed professional who specializes in evaluating collision repair costs and representing vehicle owners in insurance disputes. Body shop appraisers understand OEM repair procedures, proper labor rates, parts pricing, and ADAS calibration requirements. They work on behalf of the policyholder (not the insurance company) to ensure fair payment for quality repairs.

Question 9

Why is my insurance company underpaying my body shop?

Accepted Answer

Insurance companies often underpay body shops by denying OEM parts, paying below-market labor rates, refusing ADAS calibrations, denying supplements for hidden damage, and not paying for OEM research time. The Right to Appraisal clause in most auto policies gives customers a way to dispute these underpayments through an independent appraisal process.

What happens next?

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