How to use the estimator
- Enter the insurer's RCV total, the replacement cost figure before depreciation and deductible.
- Enter your own estimate at RCV from a contractor or independent estimator.
- Move the slider to test outcomes. Try 30%, 50% and 80% to see a range, not a single answer.
- Add costs. Use your appraiser's quoted fee, a realistic umpire fee and any travel needed to reach the property.
The Alaska twist: travel
For a home in Anchorage or Fairbanks, travel is a minor cost. For a lodge on a fly-in lake or a home in a western Alaska village, getting an appraiser on site can mean airfare, charter time and lodging. Including it here shows whether the gap still justifies appraisal once those costs are counted.
Reading the result
If the net increase only looks good at 90% or 100%, the case is fragile. If it still makes sense at 40%, appraisal is more likely to be worth discussing. All figures are illustrative and depend on what you enter.
Questions about this tool
Is the projected award a prediction?
No. It is a planning scenario. Real awards depend on documentation, the panel and the policy.
What does an umpire usually charge?
It varies with the size and complexity of the claim. Ask for a quote once an umpire is proposed. The cost is usually split evenly.