Your contractor's estimate is higher than your insurance payment. Now what? This common situation doesn't always mean you'll have to pay the difference yourself. Learn why estimates vary, what steps to take, how supplemental claims and appraisals work, and what you can do to pursue a fair insurance settlement with confidence.

When a claim stalls because the insurance estimate does not match the real damage, the appraisal process can help. It begins when either side invokes appraisal under the policy. Each party selects an appraiser who reviews the damage, estimates, and documentation. If needed, an umpire resolves remaining differences. The final agreed value sets the claim amount so payment can move forward.