Bill > HB396

This bill requires all property insurance policies in Mississippi to include a mandatory appraisal provision that allows either the insurance company or the policyholder to request an appraisal of property damage when there is disagreement about the value of loss. The appraisal process involves each party selecting a competent appraiser, who then jointly choose an umpire if they cannot agree, with a judge able to help select the umpire if needed. The appraisal panel will have exclusive authority to determine key aspects of the claim, including property value, loss amount, causation, repair costs and methods, damage scope, and compliance with building codes. Importantly, while the appraisal panel can make binding determinations on these technical issues, all matters of coverage and legal liability remain reserved for court resolution. The bill specifies that the existence of coverage disputes will not prevent an appraisal from proceeding, and the Mississippi Insurance Commissioner is tasked with creating necessary implementing regulations. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing insurers and policyholders with a clear, structured process for resolving property insurance claim disputes.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0396.xml