An insurance appraisal umpire is the third member of the panel, chosen to settle items the two party-appointed appraisers cannot resolve. Most Massachusetts appraisal and reference provisions say the appraisers select the umpire together. If they cannot agree, many policies allow either side to ask a court to appoint one. We provide two related services: serving as a neutral umpire, and helping panels find a suitable umpire.
Serving as umpire
When we act as umpire, we do not represent either side. We do not take the role on a claim where we have previously served as an appraiser or reviewed the file for either party, or where any other conflict exists. Before accepting, we disclose any prior contact with the appraisers, the insurer or the property owner.
How we run the umpire stage
- Confirm the policy wording and the items in dispute.
- Receive written submissions from both appraisers.
- Inspect the property when the disputed items call for it.
- Hold a meeting or call with both appraisers to clarify positions.
- Decide each disputed item and document the reasoning.
- Sign an award with whichever appraiser agrees with it.
Helping panels select an umpire
Appraisers sometimes reach an impasse over who should serve as umpire. We can suggest qualified candidates with relevant experience, such as roofing, commercial buildings or contents, and help both appraisers compare backgrounds, fees and availability. The decision stays with the panel.
| Consider | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Subject knowledge | A slate roof dispute needs different expertise than a contents dispute. |
| Independence | No financial or personal ties to either side. |
| Availability | Delays at the umpire stage slow the whole claim. |
| Fee structure | Usually split between the parties; confirm in writing. |
Court appointment, in general terms
If the appraisers cannot agree on an umpire within the time the policy allows, many policies permit either party to request that a court make the appointment. The procedure depends on the policy wording and court practice, so ask a Massachusetts attorney about the specifics. We do not give legal advice on that step.
What makes an umpire stage go smoothly
The best umpire submissions are short and specific. Each appraiser should list the items still in dispute, their number for each, and the support behind it: measurements, photos, quotes or pricing data. Items already agreed should be marked as agreed so the umpire does not reopen them. When both sides do this, the umpire can focus on the real disagreements, and the award usually follows faster. We ask for this format whenever we serve.
Further reading
Our guide to choosing an umpire in Massachusetts covers the selection process in more depth. The appraisal roadmap shows where the umpire stage fits in the overall process.
Common questions
Who pays the umpire?
Policies commonly say the parties split the umpire’s fee equally, but check your policy wording. Fees should be agreed in writing before work begins.
Can the umpire decide coverage questions?
Generally no. The umpire helps set the amount of loss on disputed items. Coverage disputes are usually outside the panel’s role.
What if the appraisers cannot agree on an umpire?
Many policies allow either party to ask a court to appoint one. A Massachusetts attorney can explain how that works for your policy.