How to use it
- Insurer’s RCV total. Use the replacement cost figure before depreciation and the deductible.
- Your RCV total. Use a line-item estimate from a contractor or estimator, also at replacement cost.
- Slide the landing point. Try several values, such as 30%, 55% and 80%, to see a range of outcomes.
- Add fees. Use the arrangement your appraiser quotes and a realistic umpire fee.
The break-even line
The break-even figure tells you what share of the disputed amount an award must capture before appraisal pays for itself. If you break even at 15% of the gap, the decision is easy. If you need 85%, the case depends on winning almost every item, and a documented supplement request or a second opinion may be the smarter first step.
What it leaves out
The estimator measures the size of the dispute. It ignores deductibles, depreciation timing, policy limits and sub-limits, which affect what you are paid. For those, use the depreciation recovery calculator and the percentage deductible calculator.
All example figures are illustrative.
Questions about this tool
Is the projected award a prediction?
No. It is a scenario you choose. Real awards depend on documentation, the panel and your policy.
What do umpires charge?
It varies with the size and complexity of the claim. The appraisers can get a quote once an umpire is proposed; most policies split the fee equally.