The umpire’s place on the panel
Most appraisal clauses provide for an umpire. Each side names its own appraiser, and the two appraisers agree on a third person to serve as umpire. If they can’t agree, many policies allow either party to ask a court to appoint one. The umpire’s job is to resolve items the appraisers can’t settle between themselves. An award signed by any two of the three generally fixes the amount of loss.
An appraisal umpire in West Virginia is expected to be impartial. The umpire doesn’t represent either party and has no stake in the outcome.
How we handle umpire assignments
- Conflict check first. Before accepting, we confirm we have no prior involvement in the claim and no relationship with either party that would compromise neutrality.
- One role per claim. We serve in only one role on any claim. If we have been asked to act as a party’s appraiser or to review the estimate for either side, we will not serve as umpire on that claim, and vice versa.
- Clear ground rules. We set out in writing how submissions will be exchanged, whether an inspection or meeting will take place and how fees will be shared, consistent with the policy.
- Focused decisions. We address only the items in dispute, with written reasons where useful, and leave agreed items alone.
- Award form. We help confirm the award separates replacement cost, actual cash value and any other categories the policy requires.
Claims we see as umpire
Umpire assignments cover the same range of losses that move through appraisal statewide: roof and siding disputes after severe thunderstorms or hail in the Ohio Valley, tree-strike claims after derechos, snow-load collapses in the Potomac Highlands, burst pipes in older Metro Valley homes, fire and smoke losses, and commercial roof claims in downtown blocks across the Northern Panhandle and North-Central counties. Each needs an umpire who understands local construction, from slate and metal roofs to plaster walls and manufactured homes.
For appraisers looking for an umpire
If you are a party-appointed appraiser and the panel needs an umpire, you and the other appraiser can contact us together. We will run a conflict check and, if clear, provide a short engagement letter for both sides. We expect submissions to include estimates, photos and any supporting documents, and we may inspect the property if both appraisers agree or the policy contemplates it.
For policyholders and carriers
You usually don’t choose the umpire directly; the appraisers do. If you are wondering about the process or what happens if the appraisers can’t agree, our appraisal step-by-step guide and appraisal glossary explain the basics. If you need a party appraiser rather than an umpire, see our appraisal representation service.
Fees and scheduling
Umpire fees are typically shared between the parties as the policy describes. We provide our fee terms in advance and schedule meetings or inspections with both appraisers. Remote review is possible for straightforward disputes, while larger or more complex claims usually warrant a site visit.
Throughout the assignment, we communicate with both appraisers together rather than separately, so neither side hears anything the other does not. That practice protects the award as well as the panel’s credibility, and it keeps the process focused on the evidence for each disputed item.
Questions about this service
Can the same firm be my appraiser and the umpire?
No. We serve in only one role on any claim. An umpire must be neutral, so a firm that represents one side should not act as umpire on the same claim.
Who pays the umpire in a West Virginia appraisal?
Many policies split umpire costs equally between the policyholder and the insurer. Check your appraisal clause for the exact cost-sharing terms.
Does the umpire always hold a hearing?
Not always. Some umpires decide on written submissions, while others inspect the property or meet with both appraisers. The approach depends on the claim and the panel’s agreement.