Valuations for policies and post-loss claims, accepted by all major insurers in the country
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conditions, improvements, and depreciation, so refreshing the appraisal every 2-3 years prevents paying premiums on outdated figures.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 complies with Costa Rica's Insurance Market Regulation Law 8653 and 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: INS Hogar Seguro, private 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 insurers require to process policies or claims. 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 and meets the requirements of Costa Rican insurers.
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 — a legitimate and recommended practice under Law 8653.
Accepted insurers and nationwide coverage
Our reports are accepted by every insurer operating in Costa Rica. Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS): Hogar Seguro, All-Risk Commercial, Fire, Earthquake. ASSA Compañía de Seguros: residential and commercial multi-risk. MAPFRE Seguros Costa Rica: all property products. Oceánica de Seguros, Pan American Life, Qualitas Compañía de Seguros, Adisa Seguros, and other market insurers. We operate nationwide from our base in Pérez Zeledón: 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?
Report accepted by INS, ASSA, MAPFRE, Oceánica, and all Costa Rica insurers
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 5-10 business days (48-72 h for urgent losses)
Professional backing with over 20 years of CFIA-licensed experience
Frequently asked questions
How much does an insurance appraisal cost in Costa Rica?
The cost depends on the property type and, when applicable, the complexity of the loss. For reference price ranges by property type, see our complete guide: How much does an appraisal cost in Costa Rica?. Contact us with your case details for a no-obligation exact quote.
How long does a post-loss appraisal take?
A standard post-loss appraisal is delivered in 5-10 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?
Yes. Reports are signed by an appraiser licensed by the Federated Association of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) and meet the requirements of INS, ASSA, MAPFRE, Oceánica, Pan American, Qualitas, and all insurers operating under Law 8653 in Costa Rica.
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. Law 8653 supports your right to independent valuation when there is disagreement.
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.
Need an appraisal for your policy or a post-loss valuation?
Request a no-obligation quote. We respond within 24 hours.
