Services
Insurance Appraisals in Costa Rica
Valuations for policies and post-loss claims, providing technical support for insurance claims
Insurers · Owners Founder: CFIA license ICO-3075 Quote in under 24 hours
When do you need an insurance appraisal?
An insurance appraisal is needed at four key moments in a policy's life cycle. When taking out a new policy: insurers require a professional appraisal to determine the real insurable value and avoid underinsurance. At annual renewal: values change with market conditions, improvements, and depreciation, so refreshing the appraisal every 2-3 years prevents paying premiums on outdated figures. After a loss event: when a fire, earthquake, flood, or other event occurs, you need a post-loss appraisal that quantifies damages objectively to negotiate with your insurer. For coverage adjustments: if you made remodels, additions, or acquired new assets, the appraisal adjusts coverage accordingly. The report follows the standards of the Federated Association of Engineers and Architects (CFIA).
Policy types and loss events we cover
We provide appraisals for every insurance modality that requires technical backing of the insured amount. Residential policies: homeowners and multi-risk residential coverage, fire, earthquake, flood, landslide, theft, and civil liability. Commercial and industrial policies: all-risk coverage for stores, offices, warehouses, and industrial facilities, including contents and business interruption. Agricultural policies: crops, farm infrastructure, and agricultural equipment. For loss events, we document damages from fire, earthquake, flood and hurricanes, landslides, theft and vandalism, and vehicle impacts on structures. Each post-loss appraisal includes immediate on-site inspection, geo-referenced photographic record, and calculation memorandum quantifying damages.
What the report includes
Each insurance appraisal contains the technical elements that support the policy or the claim. Replacement cost: what it would cost to rebuild the property new today, the basis for total fire coverage. Actual cash value: replacement cost minus depreciation for age and condition. Contents value: furniture, office equipment, machinery, inventory, and any asset subject to coverage. Detailed photographs: record of current state (pre-policy) or damages (post-loss). Calculation memorandum: breakdown of the method applied with local comparables when applicable. Attached registry documentation: cadastral plan, registry study, ownership certification. The report is signed by an appraiser licensed by CFIA; the decision on the policy or claim rests with the insurer.
Our post-loss methodology
When a loss event occurs, speed makes the difference between a fair settlement and a poorly negotiated claim. Our methodology begins with immediate inspection (within 48-72 hours when urgency requires) to document damages before they are altered. We apply the cost method (replacement minus depreciation plus land) combined with the market comparison method to validate pre-loss value. We include cause-and-effect analysis when the insurer requests it (determining whether the damage falls within policy coverage). We document repair costs with real quotes from local contractors and suppliers. As independent appraisers, we provide a second opinion you can use to negotiate if the insurer's valuation seems insufficient.
Insurance claims and nationwide coverage
Our reports serve as technical support to set the sum insured and back up your insurance claim, whatever the type of policy (the insured value is agreed with the insurer, Law 8956, art. 63). We operate nationwide from our bases in Pérez Zeledón and Curridabat: Greater Metropolitan Area (San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago), Guanacaste (Liberia, Tamarindo, Nicoya), Puntarenas (Jacó, Quepos, Dominical, Uvita), and Limón. For urgent losses with insurer deadlines, we prioritize delivery so you don't lose coverage due to administrative delay.
What's included
What's included?
Every report is prepared and digitally signed by a CFIA-licensed appraiser, with an on-site inspection and technical support for every figure.
- Technical support to set the sum insured and for insurance claims
- Accurate insurable value determination (prevents underinsurance and overinsurance)
- Post-loss appraisals with geo-referenced photographic documentation
- Comprehensive valuation: structure, contents, improvements, and assets
- Independence and impartiality of CFIA appraiser vs. the insurer
- Nationwide coverage with specialization in southern zone and GAM
- Delivery in 3 to 7 business days (48 to 72 h for urgent losses, with a surcharge)
- Over 20 years of experience and a report signed by a CFIA-licensed professional
Before you request
Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about this service. If yours is not here, message us and we will reply in under 24 hours.
Have another question about your case?
Message us on WhatsAppHow much does an insurance appraisal cost in Costa Rica?
The cost depends on the property type and, when applicable, the complexity of the loss. To see what affects the price, read our guide: How much does an appraisal cost in Costa Rica?. Contact us with your case details for an exact, no-obligation quote.
How long does a post-loss appraisal take?
A standard post-loss appraisal is delivered in 3 to 7 business days from inspection. For urgent cases (claims with insurer deadlines), we can prioritize and deliver in 48-72 hours with a rush surcharge. We ideally conduct on-site inspection within 72 hours of the event.
What documents do I need?
Active policy, insurer loss report when applicable, property's cadastral plan, current registry study, and physical access to the property. If any document is missing, we can guide you on how to obtain it or handle registry research for you.
Will my insurer accept the report?
The decision belongs to the insurer: the insured value is agreed with them (Law 8956, art. 63). Our report, digitally signed by an appraiser licensed by the Federated Association of Engineers and Architects (CFIA), is the technical support to set the sum insured, avoid underinsurance, and back up your insurance claim. Check with your agent what your policy requires.
Can you appraise even if my insurer already sent their own?
Yes, and it is a legitimate practice. As independent appraisers, we provide a technical second opinion you can use to negotiate settlement if the insurer's valuation seems below the real damage. If you disagree with the insurer on the value, Law 8956 (art. 73) allows both parties to agree on an appraisal; our report provides the technical support for the value.
Do you serve outside the Greater Metropolitan Area?
Yes. Nationwide coverage from Pérez Zeledón and Curridabat. We frequently work in Guanacaste (Liberia, Tamarindo, Nicoya), Puntarenas (Jacó, Quepos, Dominical, Uvita), Limón, and rural areas. Fees adjust based on travel distance.
Have another question about your case?
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Need an appraisal for your policy or a post-loss valuation?
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