Umpire Services
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Role of an
Insurance Umpire
in Appraisal
In an insurance appraisal, the umpire is a neutral third party whose job is to help settle disputes between the policyholder’s appraiser and the insurance company’s appraiser when they cannot agree on the amount of loss.
This process is typically triggered under the Appraisal Clause found in most property insurance policies.
How it works:
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Each side selects an appraiser.
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The insured (or their public adjuster) selects one appraiser.
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The insurance company selects another.
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The two appraisers try to agree on the amount of loss.
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They review estimates, inspect damages, and exchange documentation.
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If they agree, their joint decision is binding.
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If they can’t agree, they choose an umpire.
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The umpire is supposed to be impartial, not representing either side.
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If the appraisers can’t agree on who the umpire should be, a court may appoint one.
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The umpire reviews the disputed items.
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The umpire looks only at the items in dispute — not the entire claim.
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They review documentation, inspection photos, estimates, and arguments from both appraisers.
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Final decision (the award):
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When any two of the three (either the two appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire) agree on an amount of loss, that amount becomes the binding appraisal award under the policy.
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What the Umpire Does Not Do
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They do not act as a judge or mediator for the entire claim.
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Their role is limited to determining the value or amount of loss — not liability or policy interpretation.
In Summary:
The umpire’s job is to break the tie between the two appraisers and help finalize the amount of loss fairly, impartially, and efficiently.