The Indiana Appraisal Clause Playbook
For a Indiana total-loss claim, the appraisal clause converts a lopsided desk negotiation into a structured, contractually-binding ACV determination. Most standard Indiana auto policies include a binding appraisal clause — check the Loss Settlement or Conditions section of your policy. Indiana's regulator (1-800-622-4461) treats unilateral carrier refusal to appraise as a reportable practice under 760 IAC 1-67 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices).. Whether the loss happened in Indianapolis or out of state, the policy controls.
Where to send the demand
Mail the demand to the claims office printed on your declarations page (USPS certified, return receipt). Save the green card. Indiana's 760 IAC 1-67 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices). governs carrier conduct from that point forward; the 1-800-622-4461 DOI line is the escalation path if the carrier misses its own SLA.
Umpire selection in Indiana
Indiana umpire selection runs on convention, not statute: senior dealers, retired adjusters, and IADA-trained appraisers form the working pool. Indianapolis draws umpires from across the surrounding counties. Court appointment is available when needed but is the exception.
Timeline expectations
Typical Indiana rhythm is 36 days — demand letter, appraiser exchange, position memos, and either a stipulated number or an umpire award. Indiana law does not impose hard deadlines, so dates compress when both sides cooperate and stretch when one stalls. Indianapolis-region files almost always finish faster than the published average.
Who pays what
Indiana's standard cost split: each side pays its own appraiser, umpire fees are shared. Practical numbers: $350–$600 for your appraiser, $200–$450 for half the umpire if reached. Recovery on a typical undervaluation dwarfs the spend — that is why the clause exists.
Three tactics that move Indiana carriers fastest
- If the umpire is undecided, supply a clean PDF binder: window sticker, prior-damage clearance, three comps, your appraiser's signed report. Binders win the gray-area decisions.
- 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.
- Get the carrier's valuation report (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex) in writing before invocation. The report is the document your appraiser will dissect; without it you are arguing in the dark.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Indiana
- Missing the policy's appraisal-demand deadline. Most carriers do not impose one, but a few do — read the policy form before you wait.
- Letting the carrier choose the umpire unilaterally. Umpire selection is mutual; if the carrier names one without your agreement, refuse and propose three alternatives.
- Treating sales tax and fees as the carrier's gift. They are statutorily part of ACV in most states; the carrier owes them whether or not you replace the vehicle.
Indiana 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 760 IAC 1-67 (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: Indianapolis, IN
Governing authority: 760 IAC 1-67 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices).
Regulator: Indiana Department of Insurance (1-800-622-4461)
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced above,
and consistent with 760 IAC 1-67 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)., I am hereby invoking the appraisal
clause to determine the actual cash value of my totaled vehicle. Most standard Indiana 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 Indiana 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 the 7% state sales tax plus title and registration fees in the settlement.). Salvage retention, if elected, is
governed by Damage at 70% or more of pre-loss value triggers a salvage title in Indiana.
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 Indiana DOI file at 1-800-622-4461
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 Indiana.