Common questions

It's a method, built into most property insurance policies, for resolving a disagreement over the amount of a loss — not whether it's covered. Each party appoints a competent and disinterested appraiser; if they disagree, a neutral umpire decides the difference. The result is a binding determination of the amount of loss.

A public adjuster represents and advocates for the policyholder and negotiates the claim with the insurer. An appraiser is neutral and disinterested: we determine the amount of loss on the merits and have no financial stake in the result. Ironclad acts only as an appraiser or umpire — never as a public adjuster.

No. We do not negotiate, adjust, or settle claims, and we do not interpret your policy. Our role is limited to determining the amount of loss through the appraisal process.

A retainer plus an hourly rate, with a maximum fee cap agreed in writing. We never charge a contingency fee, because tying our pay to the award would conflict with the disinterested standard your policy requires. If an umpire is needed, you pay one-half of the umpire's fee directly.

If the two party-appointed appraisers can't agree on the amount of loss, a neutral umpire reviews the positions and resolves the difference. An award agreed to by any two of the three is binding.

Yes. Under Ohio's consumer-protection law you have three (3) business days to cancel the engagement, as set out in the Notice of Cancellation you receive with your agreement.

No. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. We provide standard industry templates for your use, but you are responsible for reviewing, signing, and transmitting any legal notices.

Our primary area is Powell, Dublin, Worthington, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Hilliard, Columbus, New Albany, and Delaware County. We also serve surrounding areas on request — just reach out and we'll confirm.