Short Answer

North Carolina law leaves the timeline to your auto policy’s appraisal clause and the parties’ cooperation. In practice, straightforward diminished value appraisals often wrap up in about 30–60 days from a written appraisal demand; adding an umpire or court help to appoint one can push it to 60–90+ days. Delays usually come from slow appraiser selection, scheduling, or disputes over the umpire.

Understanding the Problem

You’re in North Carolina, you disagree with the insurer’s diminished value offer, and your auto policy has an appraisal clause. You want to know how long it takes to get a final, binding diminished value number through that appraisal process. Here, you already have an independent report and the insurer offered about half, so the appraisal clause is the tool to resolve the amount of loss.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, the appraisal clause in your auto policy governs how to resolve a disagreement about the amount of loss, including diminished value if your policy allows it. Each side selects a competent, impartial appraiser; those appraisers choose an umpire. Any two (either both appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire) sign a written award that sets the amount of loss. The clause does not decide coverage or liability questions. Timelines are policy-specific, but they commonly include short windows to name appraisers and select an umpire. If appraisers cannot agree on an umpire, you can ask a North Carolina Superior Court judge to appoint one, which adds time.

Key Requirements

• Dispute on amount of loss: There must be a genuine disagreement about value (not about coverage or fault).
• Written appraisal demand: One party triggers appraisal under the policy, usually by written notice.
• Timely selection: Each side names an impartial appraiser within the policy’s short deadline (often measured in days).
• Umpire process: Appraisers pick an umpire; if they cannot, a court can be asked to appoint one.
• Written award: Any two of the three sign a written decision that fixes the amount of loss.
• Costs: Each party pays its own appraiser; the parties split the umpire’s fee unless the policy says otherwise.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11) (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Insurers must handle claims in good faith and avoid unreasonable delays.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitations) - Many contract and property damage claims must be filed within three years; specific limits and any policy suit-limit clause can affect timing.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You have a disagreement on value and a policy appraisal clause—this fits the “amount of loss” issue that appraisal is designed to resolve. Because you already have an independent report, your appraiser can be named quickly and begin coordinating. If the insurer promptly names its appraiser and they agree on an umpire, you can expect about 30–60 days; if they cannot agree on an umpire or scheduling drags, it can extend to 60–90+ days.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: The policyholder (or the insurer) makes a written appraisal demand. Where: Send it to the insurer as your policy directs (claims address or designated email). What: A written “demand for appraisal” naming your impartial appraiser and including their contact; attach your diminished value report if available. When: Follow your policy’s deadlines; many policies give a short window (often 10–20 days) to name an appraiser after a written demand.
2. Next: The insurer names its appraiser within the policy’s window. The two appraisers confer, exchange data, and select an umpire (often within 10–15 days if required by the policy). Inspections, market research, and appraisal exchanges usually take 2–4 weeks, depending on availability and records.
3. Final: If the appraisers agree, they issue and sign a written award; if not, the umpire reviews and any two sign. If the appraisers cannot agree on an umpire, a petition to North Carolina Superior Court to appoint one can add several weeks. Payment timing after the award depends on your policy.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Coverage vs. amount: Appraisal decides value, not whether diminished value is covered under your policy. If coverage is disputed, appraisal will not resolve that issue.
• Missed policy deadlines: Failing to name your appraiser or respond about an umpire within policy timeframes can derail or waive appraisal.
• Impartiality matters: Choose an appraiser who is independent; perceived bias can prolong the process.
• Document gaps: Delays happen if photos, repair invoices, or market data are incomplete.
• Umpire stalemate: Inability to agree on an umpire adds weeks and may require a court appointment.
• Do not assume tolling: Complaints to regulators or ongoing negotiations usually do not pause contract or suit deadlines—track both policy and legal time limits.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re facing a low diminished value offer and need to start or move an appraisal forward, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.