The Pennsylvania Appraisal Clause Playbook
Pennsylvania courts consistently enforce the auto-policy appraisal clause as written: a written demand triggers a two-appraiser process, and if those two disagree, a neutral umpire decides ACV. Pennsylvania auto policies include the standard appraisal clause; 31 Pa. Code §146 governs claim conduct. See 31 Pa. Code §146.5 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)..
Where to send the demand
Route the demand to the dedicated claims office on your declarations page, certified mail. Pennsylvania adjusters are required to acknowledge within their internal SLA; if you receive nothing within 10 business days, escalate to the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (1-877-881-6388).
Umpire selection in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania appraisers usually agree on an umpire from a regional pool of independent automotive valuation specialists. If selection deadlocks, either party can petition the appropriate Pennsylvania court of competent jurisdiction under the policy's appraisal provision.
Timeline expectations
Typical 44-day rhythm — demand letter, appraiser exchange, position memos, and either a stipulated number or an umpire award. State law does not set hard deadlines, so dates compress when both sides cooperate and stretch when one side stalls.
Who pays what
Cost is shared: each side covers its own appraiser, and the umpire (if needed) is paid equally by both parties. Most ACV appraisal-clause matters resolve before the umpire is even retained, so 60–70% of cases pay only their own appraiser's fee.
Two tactics that move Pennsylvania carriers fastest
- If the carrier delays naming its appraiser past 14 days, send a follow-up letter referencing the state's unfair claims settlement statute. That single letter often produces a name within 48 hours.
- Name your appraiser in the same letter that invokes the clause. This compresses 5–10 days of back-and-forth into one mailing.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Pennsylvania
- Accepting the carrier's first written offer in any form (signed release, electronic acceptance, deposited check). Once accepted, the appraisal clause is waived.
- Picking your own brother-in-law as your appraiser. The carrier will challenge non-independent appraisers, and umpires routinely give those reports little weight.
- Forgetting that the appraisal award is binding on ACV only — it does not resolve coverage disputes, salvage retention, or who is at fault.
Pennsylvania 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 31 Pa. Code §146.5 (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: Philadelphia, PA
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced
above, and consistent with 31 Pa. Code §146.5 (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 Pennsylvania.