In a dispute with your insurance provider on the worth of your claim? That's where Appraisal and Umpire services come into play.
Appraisal services are a specialized form of dispute resolution for situations where you and your insurance company disagree on the value of your claim. Instead of handling every detail like in public adjusting, my role as an appraiser or umpire is to provide an expert, objective valuation of your loss and work to resolve the dispute through the appraisal process.
If the two appraisers can't agree, they appoint a neutral umpire. If any two of the three agree on the amount of loss, that decision is binding under the policy.
Fill out the form to start the conversation about your Mississippi or Louisiana*** property insurance case.
Meet Your Public Adjuster Christopher L. Friedley
When Hurricane Katrina landed in Mississippi in 2005, my world changed forever. I spent nine hours clinging to a live oak tree in Biloxi after my in-laws’ home was swept away in the storm surge. I saw firsthand the devastation left behind, but what struck me most was watching my in-laws struggle with their insurance company over wind vs. water damage. At the time, I didn’t even know what a public adjuster was—I only knew that the system felt unfair, and policyholders like my in-laws were left to fight an uphill battle.
That experience shaped my career. I became an insurance adjuster that year, working claims for insurance companies for the next 19 years. I thought I was doing the right thing yet over time, I saw too many policyholders facing the same frustrating battles, often unaware of their rights or how to fight back and claim a fairer settlement to restore their home after damage.
I knew I could make a bigger impact by advocating for the individuals, families, and business owners in my community—not for the insurers.
In August 2024, I left my role at a global claims adjusting firm and launched my own public adjusting firm. Now, I use my insider knowledge to help homeowners and business owners navigate their claims, fight for what they’re owed, and regain control over their recovery.
Industry-Recognized Designations and Membership Means Unbiased Expertise You Can Trust
Do You Need an Appraiser or a Public Adjuster? Here's Some Criteria to Consider.
When dealing with an insurance claim in Mississippi or Louisiana, the right approach depends on the nature of the issue. I offer both public adjusting and appraisal services to provide comprehensive support for property owners at different stages of the claims process.
Here’s a comparison to help you understand the unique value of each service:
Public Adjusting Services
Public adjusting is ideal for property owners who need full support from the very beginning or at any point during the claims process. As your public adjuster, I represent you exclusively and handle every aspect of your claim to ensure you receive the settlement you’re entitled to.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Management: I handle everything, from reviewing your policy and documenting damages to filing the claim and negotiating directly with the insurance company.**
- Advocacy: I act as your advocate, leveling the playing field with the insurance company’s adjusters.**
- Ideal for Complex or New Claims: Public adjusting is especially beneficial for new claims or those that are stalled or mishandled by the insurer.
- Ongoing Support: From start to finish, I guide you through the process and take on all the heavy lifting.**
Public Adjusting is Best For:
- Policyholders starting a claim from scratch.
- Claims involving significant damage or complicated losses, like hurricanes or fires.
- Those who want an experienced professional to manage the entire process.
Appraisal Services
Appraisal services are a specialized form of dispute resolution for situations where you and your insurance company disagree on the value of your claim. Instead of handling every detail like in public adjusting, my role as an appraiser or umpire is to provide an expert, objective valuation of your loss and work to resolve the dispute through the appraisal process.
Key Features:
- Dispute Resolution: The appraisal process is used to settle disagreements over the value of a claim, not to handle the full claims process.
- Structured Process: Both parties (you and the insurance company) select independent appraisers, and a neutral umpire may be involved if needed.
- Focus on Valuation: As your appraiser, I ensure that the damage is fully documented and valued fairly.
- Efficient and Cost-Effective: Appraisal is often faster and less expensive than litigation.
Appraisal/Umpire Services are Best For:
- Claims where the insurance company has already acknowledged coverage but you disagree on the amount offered.
- Policyholders who need an expert to advocate for a fair valuation without starting a full claims process.
Why I Offer Both Public Adjusting and Appraisal/Umpire Services
to Mississippi and Louisiana*** Policyholders
I offer both public adjusting and appraisal services because I understand that every insurance claim is unique, and property owners face different challenges depending on their situation.
Here’s why having both options is important for you:
- Versatility: By offering both services, I can help policyholders at any stage of the claims process—whether you’re starting fresh with a claim or need help resolving a dispute.
- Expertise Across Scenarios: My nearly two decades of experience mean I can tailor my approach to fit your specific needs, whether that involves comprehensive claims management or focused valuation through the appraisal process.
- Saving Time and Money: For some disputes, the appraisal process may be more efficient and cost-effective than pursuing other options. For more complex claims, public adjusting ensures every detail is managed from start to finish.
- Client-Focused Solutions: Offering both services allows me to provide customized solutions, ensuring you get the support you need.
If you’re unsure which service is the best fit for your situation, I can help you decide during a free consultation. Whether you need full claim management or expert dispute resolution, I’m here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to achieve a fair settlement. Call me at 888-572-5372 or fill out the form to schedule time to speak with me.
What to Expect When You Work with CLFPA
While every case is unique, here's what you can generally expect when you choose me as your Appraiser/Umpire.**
Free Consultation
We’ll review the situation together to determine whether appraisal is appropriate. Most property insurance policies contain an appraisal clause under the “Conditions” section.
Request Appraisal in Writing
If it’s a good fit, we’ll help prepare and send a formal demand to your insurance company, identifying CLFPA as your chosen appraiser.
Comprehensive Documentation
Using tools the insurance company respects, I'll thoroughly assess and document all aspects of your property damage—structural, personal, and more—creating a strong foundation for your claim.
Each Side Selects an Appraiser
The insurance company names their own independent appraiser. This must be someone impartial—not the same adjuster who issued the disputed estimate.
Appraisers Choose an Umpire
If the two appraisers can't agree, they appoint a neutral umpire. If any two of the three agree on the amount of loss, that decision is binding under the policy.
Receive the Final Award
Once the appraisal award is signed, the insurance company typically issues payment within a few days based on the agreed amount.