Insurance Claim Appeal Letter Template

A strong appeal letter is specific, evidenced, and organized around your policy language. Here's a template you can adapt, plus the principles that make insurers actually reconsider.

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What makes an appeal letter work

1. Reference the specific claim and policy provisions. Claim number, date of loss, and the exact coverage you're invoking.
2. Address the denial reason head-on. Quote it, then refute it with evidence.
3. Itemize the dispute. Line by line, what's wrong and what the correct figure is.
4. Attach proof. Photos, contractor estimate, receipts, timeline.
5. State what you want and by when. A re-inspection, a revised estimate, or appraisal.

The template

[Your Name]
[Address]
[Email · Phone]
[Date]

[Insurance Company Name]
Claims Department
Re: Appeal of Claim #[Claim Number]
Policy #[Policy Number] · Date of Loss: [Date]

To the Claims Department,

I am writing to formally appeal the [denial / underpayment] of the above claim,
communicated in your letter dated [date]. After review, I believe the decision
does not reflect the coverage provided under my policy or the full scope of the
loss.

Your decision cited [quote the stated reason]. I respectfully disagree for the
following reasons:

1. [Disputed item] — The estimate [omits / underprices] [specific detail].
   Policy section [X] provides coverage for this. See attached [evidence].
   Correct amount: $[figure].

2. [Disputed item] — [Explanation, policy reference, evidence, correct amount.]

3. [Disputed item] — [Explanation, policy reference, evidence, correct amount.]

Enclosed are: an independent licensed contractor's estimate, dated photographs,
receipts, and a timeline of the loss.

I request a re-inspection and a revised estimate within [14] days. If we cannot
resolve the valuation, I am invoking the appraisal provision in my policy.

Please confirm receipt of this appeal in writing.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosures: [list]

Tips that move the number

• Be specific, not emotional. "The scope omits 320 sq ft of drywall (photos 4–9)" beats "this is unfair."
• Cite your policy. Pull the declarations page and the relevant coverage sections.
• Invoke appraisal when the only fight is amount, not coverage — it's faster than litigation.
• Keep a paper trail. Send by a trackable method and confirm receipt.
• Mind the deadline. Check your policy's suit-limitation clause and your state's Department of Insurance (NAIC directory).

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The hardest part is mapping each disputed line to the right policy provision. Shielded reads your policy and the adjuster's estimate and drafts the itemized rebuttal for you — accurate, specific, and ready to send.

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Template provided for general informational purposes, not legal advice. Shielded is a self-help document tool, not a law firm or licensed public adjuster.