What an umpire does
Under most appraisal clauses, the two party-appointed appraisers choose an umpire. If they work out every item themselves, the umpire never needs to act. If they cannot, the umpire reviews only the items still in dispute, and the umpire’s signature together with either appraiser’s makes the award binding.
How we serve as umpire
- We disclose any prior relationship with either appraiser, either party or the carrier before accepting.
- We set a clear process: written submissions, a joint inspection if needed, and a deadline.
- We decide only the amount of loss for items in dispute. Coverage questions stay out of the award.
- We issue an itemized award so both sides can see how each item was decided.
When appraisers cannot agree on an umpire
If the appraisers deadlock on choosing an umpire, many policies allow either party to ask a court in the county where the property sits to appoint one. That costs time and money. We help appraisers find qualified candidates with relevant experience, such as foam roofs, large commercial losses or wildfire rebuilds, so a court is rarely needed.
Questions about umpire services
Who pays the umpire?
Most policies split the umpire’s fee equally between the policyholder and the insurer.
Can the umpire decide whether damage is covered?
No. The umpire’s authority under the appraisal clause is limited to the amount of loss. Coverage disputes belong to the policy and the courts.
How long does umpire review take?
Typically a few weeks after both appraisers submit their positions, depending on whether an inspection is needed.