When the two appraisers in an insurance appraisal cannot agree on the amount of a property loss, the umpire steps in and issues the deciding award. We serve as a neutral umpire on residential and commercial property disputes across Texas.
Propose us as umpire Call (956) 433-2574In insurance appraisal, each side names an appraiser, and the two appraisers select an umpire. If the appraisers reach the same number on the amount of the loss, there may be no need for the umpire to decide anything. When they cannot close the gap, the umpire reviews both positions and the documentation and sets the amount. When any two of the three, the two appraisers and the umpire, agree on a number, that number generally binds both sides as to the amount of the loss.
An umpire decides the amount of a loss. An umpire does not decide whether the policy covers the claim. Coverage stays between the policyholder and the carrier, and where it is disputed, with their attorneys. The umpire's job is narrow and important: a fair, well-supported number on what the loss actually is. If you want the full picture of how the process fits together, read what insurance appraisal is.
The two party-appointed appraisers select the umpire together. Most Texas property policies give them a set window to agree. If they cannot agree on an umpire in that window, most policies allow either party to ask a court to appoint one. Either way, the umpire is meant to be independent of both sides.
An umpire is usually proposed by one of the appraisers, and often the appraisers, the attorneys, or the adjusters involved compare a short list before agreeing. That is the moment this page is written for: when someone needs a credentialed, genuinely neutral umpire they can put forward with confidence.
An umpire's whole value is independence. The right umpire has no stake in the outcome and no relationship that would pull the number one way or the other.
The peril and the property type should be familiar ground. A commercial hurricane loss and a residential hail claim are not the same work. Experience on the specific kind of loss shows in the award.
A strong umpire understands how each appraiser built their number and where the real disagreement sits, rather than splitting the difference for the sake of a quick answer.
The award should be clearly reasoned and documented to a standard that holds up if either side questions it later.
Appraisal stalls when the umpire is hard to reach. Availability and clear communication keep the process moving.
An umpire who has served as appraiser for policyholders and for carriers understands both positions from the inside, which makes for a more balanced read.
More detail on the background is on the credentials page.
Either appraiser can put us forward, and attorneys, adjusters, and appraisers are all welcome to reach out. Call or email with the basics of the file: the perils at issue, the property type, and where the two appraisers currently stand. We will confirm availability, and because the role is a neutral one, we look at each matter to be sure we can serve without a conflict before we accept.
Serving all of Texas, with a home base in the Rio Grande Valley.
Call or email with the file and where the appraisers stand. We will tell you promptly whether we can serve.
Call (956) 433-2574 Email [email protected]