Umpire Availability Request

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the two appraisers need an umpire?

When they cannot agree on the amount of loss. Under a typical appraisal clause the two party appraisers first try to reach an agreed figure between themselves, and only the items they still disagree about go to the umpire. An award signed by any two of the three — either appraiser plus the umpire — is binding on the amount of loss.

How is an umpire chosen?

The two appraisers select one jointly, and where they cannot, the policy usually allows a court to appoint one. Both sides are entitled to know an umpire's background before agreeing to them, which is why an availability request here is answered with the credentials and any prior involvement with either party rather than with a bare yes.

Can you serve as umpire if you have worked with one of the parties before?

Any prior involvement is disclosed before anything is accepted, and it is for both sides to decide. An umpire's whole value is that neither side can say the decision was made in advance, so a connection that would hand one of them that argument is a reason to decline. Party appraiser and umpire are never both taken on the same claim.

What does the umpire actually decide?

The amount of loss, and only that. An umpire does not decide whether the policy covers the damage, whether the carrier handled the claim properly, or what the deductible does to the figure — those stay with the carrier and, if it comes to it, the courts. The award states an amount; the policy is then applied to it.