Independent Market Valuation (IMV)

An Independent Market Valuation (IMV) is an unbiased, third-party assessment of the fair rental value for temporary housing based on real-time data from public listings and verified sources. Unlike pricing generated by housing vendors, which may include markups or incentives, an IMV is designed solely to reflect what the open market would reasonably charge—ensuring accurate, transparent, and cost-effective decisions for insurance carriers and adjusters.

Most insurance carriers rely on vendor-supplied pricing, which often includes hidden markups and inflated short-term rates. Our IMV reports eliminate conflicts of interest by offering transparent, data-backed rental valuations based on actual market behavior.

Our Independent Market Valuation process begins with a detailed review of the policyholder’s housing needs—location, duration, size, and amenities. Using real-time data from multiple rental platforms such as Zillow, Furnished Finder, and Airbnb, we analyze comparable listings and current market trends to establish a fair rental value. Unlike traditional vendors, we do not inflate pricing or apply arbitrary markups. Instead, our valuations are built on transparent, data-driven analysis. Each report includes a documented price range with supporting listings, giving carriers and adjusters a clear, objective foundation for approving or negotiating housing costs. This ensures every dollar spent aligns with actual market conditions—no more, no less.

ShadowCost brings unmatched expertise in temporary housing and insurance claims—far beyond what a typical realtor or vendor can offer. We understand how hidden costs, inflated markups, and vendor rebates distort pricing. Our team knows exactly where waste hides and how to calculate true market value based on actual placement experience, not assumptions. With our Certified IMV, you get a valuation grounded in real-world insurance housing practices—not guesswork.

Certified Independent Market Valuations (IMVs) are ideal for carriers seeking to validate vendor quotes, control claim leakage, or justify housing costs to policyholders or internal auditors. Whether you’re outsourcing to a vendor, handling claims in-house, or managing high-dollar or long-term placements, our IMV reports provide defensible data to ensure pricing accuracy and reduce overpayment risk. They're also valuable for training adjusters, comparing relocation options, and setting consistent benchmarks across markets.

ShadowCost’s Certified IMV reports empower insurance carriers to take control of Additional Living Expense (ALE) spending by eliminating inflated quotes and uncovering hidden vendor markups. By relying on real, market-driven data rather than vendor-influenced pricing, carriers can significantly reduce claim leakage, increase transparency, and improve policyholder trust. Over time, this leads to millions in savings, stronger negotiating positions with vendors, and better overall claims performance.