FAST-TRACK APPRAISAL: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know the process is fair?
CDR is paid equally by both parties so there is no incentive to favor one disputant over the other.
2. Are the claimants given the benefit of the doubt?
No. There is no bias either way.
3. How do I know that CDR is fair and unbiased?
Fast-Track Appraisal Panelists are paid to be fair and unbiased. They are not advocates for one side or the other. Their performance is evaluated by their objectivity.
4. Is the system rigged in favor of the insurance companies?
No. There is no bias either way.
5. How can I be sure to present my best case? Aren’t the insurance companies better equipped to argue their case?
Present good documentation based on valid information and you’ll do fine. Yes, insurance companies have more experience and exposure to claims, but this process favors the most cost-effective repair or replacement that adequately addresses loss, damage, and valuation and fairly resolves the claim.
6. What if I don’t like the outcome?
You can petition for a formal Appraisal, as outlined in the policy, with each side hiring an Appraiser and both sides agreeing to an Umpire. But you’ll pay again, and CDR’s information could be entered as evidence.
7. What are my other options besides CDR’s Fast-Track Appraisal?
Appraisal. Keep arguing. Litigation.
8. How long does the Fast-Track Appraisal take?
30 days after receipt of both parties’ documentation.
9. How long does a regular Appraisal take?
Some appraisals require several months. Some appraisals may even require a year or longer to resolve.
10. Can I present my case directly to the Appraisal panel? Do I have to show up? Or can I just send my information?
You may, but in most cases it’s unnecessary. Your claim summary, documentation, and written explanation should suffice. Your claim should stand on its own merits.
11. Will I know if the other side decides to present their case to the Appraisal panel?
Yes. CDR will notify you. You must commit to attendance at least five days prior to the hearing (the earlier the better).
12. Can the other side refuse to participate?
Yes. This is not a coercive process.
13. What happens if the other side doesn’t respond for my request for Fast-Track Appraisal?
We contact the other party within one week if we don’t hear from them. If they don’t respond within 30 days we alert you and them via mail, and we refund your fee (less $250 administration costs).
14. How much information/documentation does CDR require? Is there such a thing as too much information?
So long as the information is summarized and clarified, burying the CDR claims professionals in information-overload doesn’t help. If more information, documentation, or explanation is required CDR can ask.
15. Exactly what documentation do I need to submit?
Depends on what’s in dispute. Repair estimates and contents inventories that are detailed and complete so that the Appraisal Panel can consider an apples to apples comparison between the insured’s claim and insurer’s settlement offer.
16. What’s the best use of my time and resources?
Make sure your summary is accurate and complete, your documentation is complete, detailed, and legible, and explain the specifics of why there’s a dispute and precisely where your claim has more merit.
17. How can I expedite this Appraisal process?
Send in all completed forms and documentation as soon as possible with a fee payment enclosed and contact the other disputant to keep them in action.
18. What is Fast-Track Appraisal?
Fast-Track Appraisal provides a fair, reasonable, and cost-effective resolution for those insurance claim disputes which are not effectively served by existing alternatives.
19. Who is CDR: Claims Dispute Resolution?
CDR is a collection of experienced claims professionals who owe allegiance to neither Insureds nor Insurers. They consider claims on their merit.
20. Is there a hearing? What if I want a hearing?
A Fast-Track Appraisal hearing is available whenever one side or the other asks to present their case.
21. Is Fast-Track Appraisal a legally binding resolution?
Fast-Track Appraisal is voluntary. Either party is free to move on to a formal Appraisal, and even in a formal Appraisal, either party can move on to Litigation.