The Hawaii Appraisal Clause Playbook
Hawaii adjusters know the appraisal clause is the policyholder's leverage, but they will not volunteer it. Once you mail the demand, Haw. Rev. Stat. §431:13-103 (Unfair Practices). (and the carrier's own policy form) requires participation. Most standard Hawaii auto policies include a binding appraisal clause — check the Loss Settlement or Conditions section of your policy. Hawaii claims supervisors in Honolulu typically escalate appraisal files to a different team than the original adjuster — which is exactly why the second offer almost always improves on the first.
Where to send the demand
Send the written demand by certified mail with return receipt to the claims address on your declarations page. Cc the adjuster by email so there is a same-day timestamp. In Hawaii, keep a parallel copy ready for the Department of Insurance (1-808-586-2790); you do not file it on day one, but having it ready accelerates the carrier's response under Haw. Rev. Stat. §431:13-103 (Unfair Practices)..
Umpire selection in Hawaii
Hawaii appraisers usually agree on an umpire from a regional pool of independent automotive valuation specialists. If selection deadlocks, either party can petition the appropriate Hawaii court under the policy's appraisal provision. Honolulu-area umpires are the most-used set across the state.
Timeline expectations
Plan on 49 days in Hawaii from start to settlement. Day 0: certified demand goes out. Day 5–10: both appraisers identified. Day 15–25: positions exchanged. Day 25–49: agreement or umpire decision, then a check within two weeks. Rural files outside Honolulu sometimes stretch by a week because the carrier's panel appraiser has to drive in.
Who pays what
You pay your own appraiser. The carrier pays its appraiser. The umpire's fee — typically $400–$900 for a single-vehicle ACV decision in Hawaii — is split 50/50. Independent appraiser fees range $300–$600. Auto ACV's $1,000 minimum recovery guarantee means if we cannot beat the carrier's offer by at least $1,000, you owe us nothing.
Three tactics that move Hawaii carriers fastest
- When the carrier's appraiser ghost-bids low, write a single-page position memo with three local dealer comps and the math. Most appraisers will move within a week.
- Refuse to discuss ACV verbally after invocation. All communications should be written and copied to your file. The appraisal process is contractually a paper exercise.
- Photograph the odometer, VIN plate, window sticker (if you have it), and every option in the cabin and trunk before you surrender the vehicle. Lost photos cannot be re-taken.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Hawaii
- Forgetting to demand prior-damage documentation behind any history-based deduction. Unsupported deductions come off in appraisal.
- Picking your own brother-in-law as your appraiser. The carrier will challenge non-independent appraisers, and umpires routinely give those reports little weight.
- Failing to ask for the comp window stickers. Reports cite trims; comps frequently do not match.
Hawaii 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 Haw. Rev. Stat. §431:13-103 (Unfair 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: Honolulu, HI
Governing authority: Haw. Rev. Stat. §431:13-103 (Unfair Practices).
Regulator: Hawaii Department of Insurance (1-808-586-2790)
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced above,
and consistent with Haw. Rev. Stat. §431:13-103 (Unfair Practices)., I am hereby invoking the appraisal
clause to determine the actual cash value of my totaled vehicle. Most standard Hawaii 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 Hawaii practice, the resulting ACV shall include the statutory
sales tax and title/registration fees that form part of actual cash value
in this state (Insurers must include applicable GET and title fees in the total-loss settlement.). Salvage retention, if elected, is
governed by Hawaii uses a total-loss formula; salvage titles are required 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 Hawaii DOI file at 1-808-586-2790
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 Hawaii.