The Missouri Appraisal Clause Playbook
Missouri treats the appraisal clause as a contractual right that survives even if the carrier marks your claim "closed." Once you invoke in writing, Missouri carriers are bound by 20 CSR 100-1.050 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices). to participate — Missouri auto policies include the binding appraisal clause under 20 CSR 100-1.
Where to send the demand
Missouri 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 Missouri DOI (1-800-726-7390) does not adjudicate the appraisal itself, but it logs the file and the carrier knows it.
Umpire selection in Missouri
If the two appraisers cannot agree on ACV, they jointly select a neutral umpire — usually a senior independent appraiser, a retired adjuster, or a licensed dealer. In Missouri, most umpires are selected by mutual agreement within 7–14 days; if not, either side can petition the local court to appoint one.
Timeline expectations
Plan on 39 days end-to-end. Day 0: certified demand goes out. Day 5–10: appraisers identified. Day 15–25: positions exchanged. Day 25–39: agreement or umpire decision, then a check within two weeks.
Who pays what
Each party absorbs its own appraiser's bill; the umpire bill (when one is named) splits down the middle. The carrier cannot bill you for its appraiser. Auto ACV operates on a contingent structure tied to the lift over the original offer.
Two tactics that move Missouri carriers fastest
- 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.
- 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.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Missouri
- Picking your own brother-in-law as your appraiser. The carrier will challenge non-independent appraisers, and umpires routinely give those reports little weight.
- Skipping certified mail. A demand sent by regular mail or email-only is a demand a carrier can later claim it never received.
- Accepting the carrier's first written offer in any form (signed release, electronic acceptance, deposited check). Once accepted, the appraisal clause is waived.
Missouri 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 20 CSR 100-1.050 (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: Kansas City, MO
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced
above, and consistent with 20 CSR 100-1.050 (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 Missouri.