Appraisal is most useful when the disagreement is about the amount of loss, not whether coverage exists.
Strong appraisal candidates usually have a clear dispute over scope, pricing, quantities, valuation, or repair methodology. The file should also have enough documentation for both sides to understand what remains unresolved.
Before invoking appraisal, organize the current estimate versions, photos, inspection notes, invoices, engineering or consultant reports, and a short summary of the items still in dispute. A clean dispute summary helps the appraiser understand whether the file is ready for appraisal or still needs claim development.
If the dispute is mostly about policy interpretation, exclusions, or coverage position, appraisal may not be the right first step. Confirm the assignment role and the open issues before the file moves forward.