Attorneys Natalle Kezy and Anthony Remick obtained a U.S. District Court of Minnesota order confirming a policyholder’s right to appraisal, despite the insurer’s denial of coverage. In St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church v. Church Mutual Insurance Company, the insurer argued that late reporting of a hail damage claim prejudiced its ability to investigate, and sought to avoid appraisal on that basis. The Court disagreed, compelling the parties to proceed to appraisal first, with any coverage disputes to be addressed afterward.
The ruling reinforces Minnesota’s longstanding public policy favoring appraisal as a faster, less expensive alternative to litigation for resolving loss valuation disputes.
Facing a similar issue with your insurer? Contact the attorneys at Hellmuth & Johnson.