Insurance umpire services
A neutral, qualified umpire who gives both appraisers a fair hearing and decides the disputed items with a clear, itemized award.
What does an insurance umpire do?
An insurance umpire is the neutral third member of an appraisal panel. When the two party-appointed appraisers cannot agree on the amount of loss, they submit their differences to the umpire, who reviews both positions and decides the disputed items. An award signed by the umpire and either appraiser sets the amount of loss.
Our umpire commitments
- Impartiality. We do not advocate for either side. We disclose any prior relationship with the parties, appraisers or counsel before accepting an assignment.
- No dual roles. We never act as umpire on a claim where we have acted as an appraiser, adjuster or consultant.
- Equal access. Communications go to both appraisers. We do not hold one-sided discussions about the merits.
- Clear awards. Every disputed item is decided and explained, with RCV and ACV shown where the policy requires it.
How our umpire process works
- Selection and disclosure. Both appraisers confirm our selection, we complete a conflict check and send written disclosures and fee terms to both sides.
- Submissions. Each appraiser provides an estimate, photos and a list of the items still in dispute.
- Inspection and meeting. Where the dispute calls for it, we inspect the property with both appraisers and hold an umpire meeting to hear each position.
- Decision. We decide each disputed line item based on the evidence, the policy's valuation terms and local pricing.
- Award. We prepare the award for signature by the umpire and at least one appraiser, with an itemized attachment.
Questions about umpires
How is an umpire selected?
Under most policies, the two appraisers agree on an umpire, often within 15 days after both appraisers are named. If they cannot agree, either party can usually ask a court in the state where the property is located to appoint one.
Does the umpire decide the entire claim?
No. The umpire decides only the items the two appraisers submit as disagreements. Items the appraisers already agree on are carried into the award as agreed.
Who pays the umpire?
Under the typical appraisal clause, the policyholder and the insurer share the umpire's fees and the other costs of appraisal equally. Your policy and state law control.
Is the umpire's decision final?
An award signed by the umpire and at least one appraiser generally determines the amount of loss. Courts may set an award aside only in limited situations, such as fraud, a lack of impartiality, or deciding issues outside the appraisal.
Last updated 2026-11-13.