What is the purpose of an appraisal in insurance?

An appraisal in the context of insurance serves the crucial role of providing an impartial assessment of an item's worth. This objective valuation is essential for determining the appropriate amount of coverage a policyholder should maintain to protect their assets adequately.

An accurate appraisal takes into account various factors such as market conditions, item condition, and historical data, ensuring that both the insurer and the insured agree on the value of the property or item being insured. This process helps to avoid disputes during the claims process by having a clear, unbiased benchmark readily available.

Other options revolve around subjective or non-insurance related functions. For instance, increasing policy premiums relates to underwriting and pricing strategies, while determining the selling price is more aligned with sales evaluations than insurance coverage. Lastly, a subjective assessment does not fulfill the necessity for an unbiased, accurate evaluation needed for effective risk management and claim processing. Thus, the purpose of an appraisal in insurance is firmly rooted in providing that impartial assessment of an entity's worth.