Umpire services
The neutral third party, brought in when two appraisers cannot agree.
Umpire
What an umpire is for
Appraisal only needs one when the two appraisers reach a wall. The umpire reads both positions and decides.
- Neutral by definition — the seat belongs to neither side, and is worked that way.
- Appointed by the appraisers — or by a court, where they cannot agree on a name.
- Only the open items — whatever the two already agreed on stays agreed.
- The award — signed by any two of the three, and that sets the amount of loss.
How the seat is worked here
Both estimates read in full, the property looked at where that helps, then a written decision on what is still open.
A separate engagement
Umpire work is neutral, and it is kept apart from the claims we adjust for policyholders.
How it runs
From deadlock to award
The umpire comes in last, and only for what is still open.
The appraisers stall
They agree on most of it, and hit a wall on the rest.
A name goes forward
Both appraisers, or a court, appoint the umpire.
Both sides are read
Estimates, photographs and scope, put side by side.
The award
A written decision. Two of the three signatures make it final.
Neutral, and on the record.
An umpire decides the difference between two estimates. Nothing else.
Start here
Need an umpire named?
Call to check availability before the appointment goes in.
Halls, Tennessee · working across East Tennessee