The umpire’s role in appraisal
Under a typical appraisal clause, each side names an appraiser and the two appraisers select an umpire. The appraisers try to agree on the amount of loss themselves. Where they can’t, they submit their differences to the umpire, and an award signed by any two of the three generally becomes binding as to the amount of loss. If the appraisers can’t agree on an umpire, many policies allow either side to ask a court to appoint one.
A good umpire doesn’t pick a side. The job is to weigh competing evidence on specific disputed items and reach a sound, supportable figure.
How we work as umpire
- Disclosure. Before accepting, we disclose any relationship with the parties, appraisers, carrier or property that could bear on impartiality.
- Ground rules. We confirm the scope of the appraisal, deadlines, how submissions will be exchanged and how fees will be handled under the policy.
- Submissions. Each appraiser provides an estimate and supporting documentation. We ask that disagreements be narrowed to specific line items.
- Inspection. Where helpful, we inspect the property with both appraisers present or invited.
- Item-by-item review. We review each disputed item on its merits: scope, quantity, unit price and any supporting photos, measurements or reports.
- Award. We prepare an itemized award where the policy and circumstances allow, so both sides can see how the final figure was reached.
What umpires in North Dakota often weigh
- Hail and wind damage counts on shingle and metal roofs, and whether a repair or replacement is supported
- Cold-climate items such as ice and water shield, ventilation and code-required upgrades
- Matching of discontinued siding, shingles or flooring
- Pricing during a regional surge in demand after a major storm
- Winter repair costs, including heat and temporary enclosures
- Overhead and profit where multiple trades are involved
- Rural logistics for farm and ranch buildings
Neutral appraiser engagements
Sometimes both parties want a single neutral to evaluate a loss outside the formal appraisal process, or a policy uses different procedures. North Dakota Insurance Appraiser can provide a neutral evaluation when both sides agree on the scope of the engagement in writing.
Whatever the engagement, we keep our communications with both sides even. If one appraiser sends us information, the other receives it too, and we avoid private conversations about the merits. A process both sides can trust matters as much as the final number.
Impartiality and conflicts
We won’t serve as umpire on a claim where we have acted as an appraiser or estimator for either side, or where any relationship would reasonably call our neutrality into question. If a conflict surfaces later, we disclose it immediately.
What we need from appraisers
- A copy of the appraisal demand and the policy’s appraisal clause
- Both appraisers’ estimates, ideally with a side-by-side list of disputed items
- Photos, measurements, reports and any agreed items
- Confirmation of how umpire fees will be shared
Our limits
We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. North Dakota law governs appraisal and related disputes, and questions about the enforceability of an award or the conduct of the process should go to a North Dakota attorney. We do not promise any particular result to anyone.
Frequently asked questions
How is an umpire selected?
Usually the two appraisers agree on one. If they can’t, many policies allow either party to ask a court to appoint an umpire.
Who pays the umpire?
Most policies split the umpire’s fee equally between the insured and the insurer. Your policy wording controls.
Will you serve as umpire if you’ve worked with one of the appraisers before?
Prior professional contact is disclosed up front. We decline when a relationship would reasonably call our impartiality into question.