Trusted Insurance Appraiser in Collinsville, IL | SPJ Adjusting
Damage happens fast. A storm hits, water gets in, or fire scorches a wall. But the real frustration often comes after—when the insurance payment doesn’t even cover the repairs.
At SPJ Adjusting, we help fix that. We provide trusted insurance appraisal services in Collinsville, IL for homeowners, business owners, and landlords who want to recover what they’re owed.
We don’t work for insurance companies. We never have. We work for people who need fair, accurate reports and real results.
Our Insurance Appraisal Services
Insurance Appraisals
We inspect every part of your home or building, inside and out. We photograph all damage, take accurate measurements, and document everything. Then we prepare a clear report showing the real cost to repair or rebuild. This supports your claim and protects your right to a fair payout.
Matterport Imaging
Our team uses 3D Matterport scanning to create digital models of damaged properties. These scans give clear views from every angle. They make it easier to show what’s broken, warped, stained, or lost. Insurers, adjusters, and even legal teams accept this format as trusted visual proof.
Xactimate Estimates
We build detailed cost estimates using Xactimate. This software calculates pricing for labor, parts, materials, cleanup, and more. Since it’s the same tool many insurers use, our reports match their systems. That means fewer questions, fewer delays, and better results.
Symbility Estimates
Some companies prefer Symbility. No problem. We’re certified in both systems. Whether your insurer uses Xactimate or Symbility, we prepare a professional report they’ll understand and respect.
Appraisal Umpire Services
If your appraiser and the insurer’s appraiser can’t agree, we can act as the neutral third party. Our appraisal umpire services in Collinsville, IL help settle claim disputes fairly. We review both sides, evaluate the damage, and decide on the value. That decision is final and legally binding.
Large Loss Consulting
Major claims need special handling. We help clients with full fire losses, storm-damaged commercial buildings, and other large events. We coordinate inspections, review codes, and help submit every document. From loss to resolution, we’re there to protect your outcome.
Certified Property Inspections
We inspect roofs, walls, windows, foundations, crawl spaces, and all major systems. We document not just visible damage—but underlying issues, too. Our certified reports meet legal, insurer, and court standards. These reports help support your claim from start to finish.
Insurance Consulting
We help you understand your policy, your coverage, and your deadlines. Our team explains terms in plain English. That way, you avoid mistakes that cause delays, underpayments, or denials. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ll guide every step.
Why Appraisal Is Better Than Lawsuits
- Quicker Claim Results
Most appraisal disputes settle in 30 to 60 days. Court takes much longer. - Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Appraisal avoids lawyer fees and court expenses. It’s faster, simpler, and more affordable. - Easier Process for Homeowners
You won’t need to file legal papers. Just submit documents and attend inspection. - Neutral Third-Party Decisions
If needed, a neutral umpire decides. Their ruling is fair and final for both parties.
- Stronger Claim Reports
We use trusted tools like Xactimate and Symbility. These reports are harder to deny. - Fewer Denied Claims
Insurers deny vague claims. Our files include proof, photos, and accurate pricing. - Supported by Insurance Policies
Appraisal is built into most policies. It’s a legal option—not a risk or loophole.
The Appraisal Process
01
Submit a Demand Estimate
Start your claim by submitting a written estimate. This report lists all damage and needed repairs. We prepare it for you with full documentation, so it stands strong from day one.
02
Request Appraisal in Writing
If your insurer underpays or disagrees, you can request appraisal. This request must be made in writing. It activates your policy’s appraisal clause and begins the dispute resolution process.
03
Choose Your Appraiser
You choose an appraiser to represent you. The insurance company picks their own. Both sides inspect the property and gather their own estimates.
04
Schedule Inspection
The two appraisers meet at the property. They walk through every damaged area, take measurements, photograph the site, and record their findings.
05
Discuss Damage Costs
After inspection, the appraisers compare numbers. If they agree on a fair value, the claim is resolved. If not, the case moves to the next step.
06
Submit Final Positions
Each appraiser submits a final written estimate. These final values go to a neutral umpire for review. The umpire must choose the fairest number based on both reports.
07
Umpire Reviews Evidence
The umpire reads both final estimates, reviews the inspection data, and makes a decision. That decision becomes the official claim amount.
08
Final Award Is Paid
The insurer must pay the final value—either from the appraisers or the umpire. This closes the process and gets you paid.
Collinsville’s Trusted Property Damage Appraisers
At SPJ Adjusting, we’ve worked across Collinsville for years. We’ve helped families after storm damage, landlords after floods, and business owners after fires. We know the risks that affect homes and buildings in this part of Illinois.
We don’t just show up, take pictures, and send a report. We build files that hold up—reports that adjusters can’t ignore. Our tools, like Xactimate and Matterport, are used by major insurers across the country.
We’ve helped clients recover from fires, hail, roof collapse, mold, and burst pipes. We inspect everything. We explain everything. And we represent only one side—yours.
When the claim process feels slow, unfair, or unclear, we step in with facts, tools, and experience. If you’re in a dispute or feel stuck, we can help move things forward—fast.
Why Choose SPJ Adjusting
Focused on Policyholders
We never represent insurers. We only work for property owners—and fight for what they’re owed.
Help With Disputed Claims
We fix underpaid and denied claims. We prepare reports that get results.
Experts in Property Damage
We understand how damage happens and how to prove every detail with evidence.
Insurance-Ready Reports
Our reports are built for fast approval. Insurers recognize our systems and formats.
When to Get an Insurance Appraisal
- Offer Seems Too Low
If the settlement doesn’t cover repairs, an appraisal can show the correct cost. - Claim Was Denied
A denial isn’t the end. Appraisals bring new evidence and an expert second opinion. - Major Property Damage
Big claims need strong documentation. We inspect and support every part of your loss. - Adjuster Disagrees With You
If their report skips details or is wrong, we’ll write a fair, accurate one. - Avoiding a Lawsuit
Appraisal resolves the dispute faster than court—with less cost and less stress. - Tight Deadlines
- Most policies have deadlines. Don’t wait until it’s too late to challenge a claim.
Key Benefits
✔️ Reports insurers trust
✔️Fast, fair resolutions
✔️ Umpire services to end disputes
✔️ Certified inspections for full claim support
FAQs
Do I need an appraiser if I already got a payment?
Yes—if the payment was too low, you can still challenge it through appraisal.
Can I start an appraisal if the insurer won’t respond?
Absolutely. If they delay or ignore you, send a written request to trigger appraisal.
What’s the difference between an adjuster and an appraiser?
Adjusters work for the insurer. Appraisers are hired to represent your side only.
Is an umpire always needed?
No. If both appraisers agree, the claim is settled without needing an umpire.
Do I need to attend the inspection?
It helps. You can show hidden damage and explain what happened in detail.