The Kentucky Appraisal Clause Playbook
Kentucky treats the appraisal clause as a contractual right that survives even if the carrier marks your claim "closed." Once you invoke in writing, Kentucky carriers are bound by 806 KAR 12:095 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices). to participate — Kentucky auto policies include the standard appraisal clause.
Where to send the demand
Kentucky carriers will accept demands sent to the address on the declarations page; a separate copy to a corporate "appraisal demand" inbox is optional but useful. The Kentucky DOI (1-800-595-6053) does not adjudicate the appraisal itself, but it logs the file and the carrier knows it.
Umpire selection in Kentucky
Umpire selection in Kentucky is typically a phone call between the two appraisers from a short list of mutually-trusted names. Court appointment is rare and is reserved for cases where one side refuses to cooperate.
Timeline expectations
Most 33-day timeline: 1–3 days for the carrier to acknowledge the demand, 7–10 days to name their appraiser, 5–10 days for both appraisers to exchange numbers, and 5–14 days for either an agreement or umpire selection. Payment usually clears within 30 days of the signed award.
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 — 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.
Two tactics that move Kentucky carriers fastest
- 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.
- 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.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Kentucky
- Letting the carrier choose the umpire unilaterally. Umpire selection is mutual; if the carrier names one without your agreement, refuse and propose three alternatives.
- Forgetting that the appraisal award is binding on ACV only — it does not resolve coverage disputes, salvage retention, or who is at fault.
- Calling the appraisal demand a "complaint" or "dispute." Use the exact phrase "I am invoking the appraisal provision of my policy" so the file routes correctly.
Kentucky 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 806 KAR 12:095 (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: Louisville, KY
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced
above, and consistent with 806 KAR 12:095 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)., I am hereby invoking the
appraisal clause to determine the actual cash value of my totaled
vehicle.
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.
This letter is sent by certified mail with return receipt requested.
All further communications regarding ACV should be in writing.
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 Kentucky.