What an insurance appraisal umpire does
Under a standard appraisal clause, the two appraisers select a competent and impartial umpire. If they can’t agree on one, either side can usually ask a court in the county or city where the property sits to appoint an umpire. The umpire then decides only the items the appraisers couldn’t resolve. An agreement signed by any two of the three sets the amount of loss.
Serving as umpire
When both appraisers agree to engage us as umpire, we act as a neutral. We don’t represent either side, and we disclose any prior work with either appraiser, the insurer or the policyholder before accepting. Our process is simple and documented:
- Both appraisers submit their estimates and a list of disputed items.
- We inspect the property, usually with both appraisers present.
- Each appraiser presents support for their positions on the open items.
- We issue a written decision on each disputed item and prepare the award form.
Help selecting an umpire
If we’re serving as your appraiser, part of our job is proposing qualified umpires and evaluating the carrier appraiser’s suggestions. A good umpire understands construction pricing, has no ties to either side and keeps the process moving.
What makes an umpire qualified
- Hands-on estimating and construction knowledge for the type of loss.
- Familiarity with appraisal clauses and award forms.
- No financial interest in the outcome and full disclosure of relationships.
- Willingness to inspect the property rather than decide from paperwork alone.
Questions about umpire selection & services
Who pays the insurance appraisal umpire?
Most appraisal clauses split the umpire’s fee equally between the policyholder and the insurer. Each side pays its own appraiser.
Can a Virginia court appoint an umpire?
Many policies say that if the appraisers can’t agree on an umpire within a set period, either party may ask a court of record in the state where the property is located to select one. Your policy wording controls.