May 28: The Expert Role in the Property Claim Appraisal Process

Title:
The Expert Role in the Property Claim Appraisal Process

Description:

Property insurance policies almost always contain an “Appraisal Clause,” a key mechanism for resolving disputes about the amount of loss without resorting to costly litigation. While intended as a faster and less formal alternative dispute resolution process, appraisal still demands strict ethical standards to ensure that any award is binding and enforceable.

This free 1-hour webinar explores the expert’s role in the property claim appraisal process, with a focus on Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA) certifications and codes of ethics. Attendees will learn how IAUA guidance transforms appraisal from a casual negotiation into a rigorous professional proceeding, including rules on “ex parte” communications, handling causation issues, and using the Universal Appraisal Award Form to secure a durable resolution.

Program Outline

• Introduction
• The Appraisal Clause & Framework
• Roles, Ethics & IAUA Certifications
• Technical Analysis & Scoping the Loss
• Cost Estimating & Valuation
• The Umpire Hearing & The Universal Award
• Conclusion

Learning Objectives

• Define the specific scope of appraisal versus litigation, including the “Causation Quagmire” (coverage vs. amount of loss).
• Identify the value of IAUA certifications (CPAU/CPIA/CPIU) and the ethical mandate for “competent and disinterested” panelists.
• Discuss the strict prohibition on “ex parte” communications with umpires and protocols for transparent negotiation.
• Examine the Universal Appraisal Award Form and how to itemize findings to prevent judicial vacating of awards.

Date+Time Of Webinar:

Thursday, May 28, 2026
10:00am PT / 11:00am MT / 12:00pm CT / 1:00pm ET

Register Now!

Credits:

1 credit hour in; Approval Pending: California, Florida, Nevada, and Texas. If you don't see your state listed in the registration form, contact cle@lexisnexis.com.
Many states acknowledge reciprocal credit for courses certified through the Texas Department of Insurance. Be sure to review the guidelines specific to your state, and verify the process for obtaining credit for a course approved by the state of Texas. The CEU Institute will serve as the continuing education provider for this webinar, and credit processing and certificate distribution may take up to 30 days.

Speakers:

• Marc Viau, Expert, Pete Fowler Construction
• Chris Feasel, Partner, Resnick & Louis, P.C.
• Heather Frisch, Construction Counsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP

By:

Pete Fowler Construction Services

More Information And Registration