North DakotaInsurance Appraiser (844) 537-1427

Free checklist

Claim File Strength Test: Is Your File Appraisal-Ready?

The strongest appraisals are won with the file you bring to the table. Answer twelve questions to see where yours stands and what to fix before anyone signs a demand.

Claim file strength test12 questions · about two minutes
  1. Has the insurer accepted coverage for at least part of the loss?
  2. Do you have the carrier’s complete, itemized estimate — not just a summary page?
  3. Do you have your own itemized estimate from a contractor or estimator?
  4. Do you have dated photos taken soon after the storm or event?
  5. Have you read the appraisal paragraph in your policy’s conditions?
  6. Do you know your policy’s suit-limitation date?
  7. Were temporary repairs made, with receipts saved?
  8. If the loss happened in winter, has snow-covered or frozen damage been re-inspected after thaw?
  9. Do you have your current declarations page?
  10. Is hidden damage (attic, decking, wet walls, basement) opened up and documented?
  11. Is your correspondence with the carrier organized by date?
  12. Is the gap between estimates more than roughly 10% or several thousand dollars?
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Your to-do list

    For planning only. Results depend on the figures you enter and your policy’s terms; they aren’t a quote, an appraisal or legal advice.

    How the questions are weighted

    Coverage, estimates and evidence carry the most weight because they decide whether appraisal is even the right tool and how well your number will hold up. Administrative items matter too, but they’re quicker to fix. One question is specific to cold-weather losses: snow and ice can hide damage that only shows after thaw.

    What to do with your score

    • 75 and up: your file looks solid. A professional review of the gap is the logical next step.
    • 45 to 74: close the open items first; each one strengthens your position.
    • Below 45: invoking appraisal now could lock in a low number. Build the file before you demand.

    Questions about this tool

    Is anything I enter saved?

    No. The check runs entirely in your browser; nothing is stored or sent.

    Can I share the result?

    Yes. Take a screenshot of the score and to-do list and bring it to a consultation.

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    Want a professional to check the numbers?

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