Aviation Insurance Claim Valuation and Expert Support
Independent pre-loss and post-loss aircraft valuation and technical analysis for carriers, adjusters, and policyholders in aviation insurance claims.
Aviation Claims Require Aviation-Specific Valuation
Aircraft insurance claims often involve disputed values, complex damage assessments, or questions about pre-loss condition and records that general adjusters and appraisers are not equipped to resolve. A small difference in the valuation can mean a large difference in the settlement.
Western Aviation provides independent aircraft valuation and technical analysis that helps carriers, claims professionals, and policyholders reach a fair, well-supported resolution, and provides expert testimony if the claim ends up in litigation or appraisal.
Total Loss and Hull Value Disputes
When an aircraft is declared a total loss, or nearly one, the central question is what it was worth immediately before the loss. The answer depends on its actual condition, times and records, equipment, damage history, and the market at the time. An insured value set years earlier or a general price-guide figure may not reflect any of those.
Western Aviation develops an independent pre-loss value from comparable sales and a full records review. We also address post-loss and salvage value, repair-versus-total-loss comparisons, and whether a settlement offer reflects the aircraft's real market position.
Diminished Value After Repair
When an aircraft is repaired rather than totaled, the remaining loss in market value may also be part of the claim. See Aircraft Diminished Value Analysis for how we evaluate it.
When Insurance Claim Support Is Valuable
- The pre-loss or post-loss value of the aircraft is in dispute
- A carrier needs an independent appraisal to evaluate a total loss or settlement
- A policyholder disputes a settlement offer and needs an independent opinion
- The repair-versus-total-loss decision is contested
- Questions about maintenance, records, or pre-existing condition affect the claim
- A claim is heading toward appraisal, mediation, or litigation
- The policy appraisal process has been invoked and a party-appointed appraiser is needed
Insurance Claim Support Includes
- Pre-loss and post-loss aircraft valuation
- Total loss, salvage, and settlement value analysis
- Repair-versus-total-loss comparison
- Diminished value following repair
- Maintenance and records review relevant to the claim
- Service as a party-appointed appraiser in the policy appraisal process
- Expert testimony for contested claims
How We Support an Aviation Claim
Step 1: Claim Review
We review the claim file, the policy's valuation basis, and the aircraft's history.
Step 2: Technical and Records Analysis
We evaluate maintenance records, damage documentation, and repair history or estimates.
Step 3: Independent Valuation
We develop a pre-loss, post-loss, or diminished value opinion from market data using USPAP-compliant methodology.
Step 4: Report and Resolution Support
We provide a written report and, if needed, testimony in appraisal, mediation, or litigation.
Headline
Your Expert: David Fisher, ASA
Body Copy
David Fisher, ASA, has served as an expert for insurance companies for more than 30 years and is also engaged by policyholders. Both get the same independent, documented valuation, which is what makes it credible to the other side.
Before you designate an expert, you should know who you are getting. Request David's current CV, testimony list, and attorney references and we will send them within one business day.
CTA (links to /expert-witness-inquiry; pre-select "Request CV, Testimony List & References")
Request CV, Testimony List & References
Independent Valuations Both Sides of a Claim Can Rely On
An insurance valuation only settles a claim if the other side finds it credible. Western Aviation's claim work is prepared by an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser, follows USPAP, and is informed by real aircraft market experience. That makes it useful at the negotiating table and defensible if the claim goes further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work for insurance carriers, policyholders, or both?
Both. Our valuation and technical analysis is the same regardless of which side of the claim retained us.
Can you help resolve a disputed total-loss valuation?
Yes. We provide independent pre-loss and post-loss valuations, salvage considerations, and repair-versus-total-loss analysis to support total-loss and settlement decisions.
Can you act in an insurance appraisal process?
Yes. David Fisher has served as a party-appointed appraiser in the insurance appraisal process. He can serve in that role or provide independent valuation support, depending on the policy terms.
What documentation do you need to evaluate a claim?
Typically the claim file, maintenance and logbook records, damage documentation and photos, repair estimates or invoices, and any prior appraisals.
Can diminished value be part of an aircraft insurance claim?
It depends on the policy language and jurisdiction. When it is at issue, we provide a documented diminished value opinion. See Aircraft Diminished Value Analysis.
Need Independent Support on an Aviation Claim?
Western Aviation provides independent valuation and technical analysis to support claim evaluation and resolution.