The Louisiana Appraisal Clause Playbook
Louisiana adjusters know the appraisal clause is the policyholder's leverage, but they will not volunteer it. Once you mail the demand, La. R.S. §22:1973 (Penalties) and §22:1892 (Prompt Payment). (and the carrier's own policy form) requires participation. Most standard Louisiana auto policies include a binding appraisal clause — check the Loss Settlement or Conditions section of your policy. Louisiana claims supervisors in New Orleans 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
Mail the demand to the claims office printed on your declarations page (USPS certified, return receipt). Save the green card. Louisiana's La. R.S. §22:1973 (Penalties) and §22:1892 (Prompt Payment). governs carrier conduct from that point forward; the 1-800-259-5300 DOI line is the escalation path if the carrier misses its own SLA.
Umpire selection in Louisiana
Umpires in Louisiana are jointly named by the two appraisers from a recognized pool of independent valuation professionals; New Orleans hosts most of the state's working bench. If the appraisers cannot agree on a name, the policy authorizes either side to petition a Louisiana court for appointment.
Timeline expectations
Typical Louisiana rhythm is 43 days — demand letter, appraiser exchange, position memos, and either a stipulated number or an umpire award. Louisiana law does not impose hard deadlines, so dates compress when both sides cooperate and stretch when one stalls. New Orleans-region files almost always finish faster than the published average.
Who pays what
Louisiana'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 Louisiana carriers fastest
- Propose three umpire candidates in the same letter as your appraiser nomination. It signals you are organized and shortens umpire selection by a week.
- Insist on prior-damage history through the carrier's CARFAX/AutoCheck — and challenge any deduction unsupported by a documented prior loss.
- Cite the policy section number, not just "the appraisal clause." Most carrier policies number the provision; quoting it tells the adjuster you have read the contract.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Louisiana
- 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.
- 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.
- Letting the carrier choose the umpire unilaterally. Umpire selection is mutual; if the carrier names one without your agreement, refuse and propose three alternatives.
Louisiana 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 La. R.S. §22:1973 (Penalties) and §22:1892 (Prompt Payment)..
[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: New Orleans, LA
Governing authority: La. R.S. §22:1973 (Penalties) and §22:1892 (Prompt Payment).
Regulator: Louisiana Department of Insurance (1-800-259-5300)
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced above,
and consistent with La. R.S. §22:1973 (Penalties) and §22:1892 (Prompt Payment)., I am hereby invoking the appraisal
clause to determine the actual cash value of my totaled vehicle. Most standard Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 state and local sales tax plus title fees in the settlement.). Salvage retention, if elected, is
governed by Damage at 75% or more of ACV requires a salvage title in Louisiana.
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 Louisiana DOI file at 1-800-259-5300
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 Louisiana.