Why Experience Matters: A Message for Carriers
Insurance appraisal isn’t just about putting numbers on paper-it’s about reducing exposure, defending fairness, and resolving conflict with credibility.
As a carrier, your appraiser represents not just your estimate, but your brand, your policy interpretation, and your legal posture. Here’s why experience matters:
1. Technical Accuracy
Experienced appraisers understand Xactimate inside and out-but also know construction, real repair costs, and current code standards.
2. Reduced Risk of Escalation
A seasoned appraiser knows when and how to keep an appraisal from heading toward litigation or bad-faith allegations.
3. Process Efficiency
Veteran appraisers bring process discipline, document control, and faster cycle times.
4. Panel Management
Experienced appraisers know how to work with opposing appraisers and umpires professionally-even under pressure.
5. Defensibility in Dispute
When your appraiser can explain valuation logic clearly and support it with policy-aligned reasoning, the award is more likely to stand.
What to Look For
- A strong track record with both carriers and contractors
- Experience managing large-loss or catastrophe-related claims
- Demonstrated communication skills and dispute resolution mindset
Final Word
Hiring an appraiser isn’t a checkbox-it’s a strategic decision. Choose experience, and you’re not just protecting the claim-you’re protecting your brand.

John Howell
Senior Appraiser
With over two decades of experience in insurance appraisal and claims consulting, John Howell helps resolve complex property disputes through data-driven valuation and structured appraisal processes. He's known for bridging the gap between carriers and insureds while streamlining workflows that lead to faster, fairer outcomes.