The Georgia Appraisal Clause Playbook
The appraisal clause in Georgia is the cheap, fast, contractually-mandated path to a defensible ACV. Most standard Georgia auto policies include a binding appraisal clause — check the Loss Settlement or Conditions section of your policy. It is governed in Georgia by O.C.G.A. §33-6-34 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices).; the Georgia DOI line at 1-800-656-2298 is the escalation point when the carrier ignores the demand. Most Atlanta-area files we see resolve in 30–45 days with a five-figure lift.
Where to send the demand
Two-channel delivery works best in Georgia: certified mail to the claims address on your declarations page, plus an attached PDF to the adjuster's individual email. The dual timestamp closes the "we never received it" defense. The Georgia DOI line is 1-800-656-2298; O.C.G.A. §33-6-34 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices). is the rule they enforce.
Umpire selection in Georgia
Umpires in Georgia are jointly named by the two appraisers from a recognized pool of independent valuation professionals; Atlanta hosts most of the state's working bench. If the appraisers cannot agree on a name, the policy authorizes either side to petition a Georgia court for appointment.
Timeline expectations
Typical Georgia rhythm is 32 days — demand letter, appraiser exchange, position memos, and either a stipulated number or an umpire award. Georgia law does not impose hard deadlines, so dates compress when both sides cooperate and stretch when one stalls. Atlanta-region files almost always finish faster than the published average.
Who pays what
Costs are shared in Georgia: each side covers its own appraiser, and the umpire (if needed) is paid equally by both parties. Most ACV appraisal-clause matters resolve before the umpire is retained, so 60–70% of cases pay only their own appraiser. Georgia-licensed appraisers usually bill $350–$550.
Three tactics that move Georgia carriers fastest
- Request a copy of the actual comparable vehicle window stickers cited in the valuation, not just the line items. Most reports cite trims and options that the comps do not actually have.
- Document the request: send the demand by certified mail, retain the green card, and email a PDF copy to the adjuster the same day. Carriers regularly claim verbal invocations never happened.
- Pull your own comp set before the demand goes out. Knowing local dealer asking prices means you can immediately push back on the carrier's first appraiser position.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Georgia
- Failing to ask for the comp window stickers. Reports cite trims; comps frequently do not match.
- Missing the policy's appraisal-demand deadline. Most carriers do not impose one, but a few do — read the policy form before you wait.
- Walking away because the adjuster says "that's not how we do it." Adjusters say that on roughly half of all first invocations; the policy still controls.
Georgia appraisal-clause demand letter (copy-ready)
Replace bracketed fields with your claim details. Send certified mail with return receipt to the claims address on your declarations page. Cites O.C.G.A. §33-6-34 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)..
[Date]
[Carrier name]
[Claims address from your declarations page]
Re: Claim No. [your claim number]
Policy No. [your policy number]
Insured: [your name]
Loss date: [date]
Loss location: Atlanta, GA
Governing authority: O.C.G.A. §33-6-34 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices).
Regulator: Georgia Department of Insurance (1-800-656-2298)
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced above,
and consistent with O.C.G.A. §33-6-34 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)., I am hereby invoking the appraisal
clause to determine the actual cash value of my totaled vehicle. Most standard Georgia auto policies include a binding appraisal clause — check the Loss Settlement or Conditions section of your policy.
I have appointed [appraiser name, license, contact] as my appraiser.
Please identify your appraiser within ten (10) business days of receipt
of this letter so that the appraisal may proceed. If the two appraisers
cannot agree, they shall jointly select a competent and disinterested
umpire as the policy provides.
Per Georgia practice, the resulting ACV shall include the statutory
sales tax and title/registration fees that form part of actual cash value
in this state (Georgia insurers must include the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT, 6.6–7%) and title fees in the settlement.). Salvage retention, if elected, is
governed by Georgia uses a total-loss formula and requires salvage titles for declared total losses.
This letter is sent by certified mail with return receipt requested. All
further communications regarding ACV should be in writing. A copy of this
letter will be retained for the Georgia DOI file at 1-800-656-2298
if the carrier does not acknowledge within ten business days.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Address, phone, email]This template is a starting point, not legal advice. We'll send a tailored demand on your behalf as part of every Auto ACV engagement in Georgia.