Neutral Appraisal Umpire Services in Maryland

The umpire’s role in a Maryland appraisal

Under a typical appraisal clause, each side names its own appraiser, and those two appraisers select an umpire. The appraisers work through the claim together first; whatever they agree on is settled. Items they still disagree about go to the umpire, and an award signed by any two of the three sets the amount of loss for those items.

The umpire is not an advocate for either side. The job is to listen to both appraisers, review the evidence, inspect the property where needed and decide each disputed amount on its merits. A good umpire keeps the process orderly, explains decisions clearly and avoids drifting into questions the appraisal panel isn’t meant to answer.

How an umpire engagement works

1. Joint request. Both appraisers contact us and propose that we serve as umpire.
2. Conflict check and disclosure. We review the parties, the carrier, the adjusting firm, the appraisers and the property, and disclose in writing any relationship or prior work that could bear on impartiality.
3. Acceptance. Once both appraisers confirm they are comfortable, we accept the appointment and agree on how fees will be handled under the policy.
4. Submissions. Each appraiser provides an estimate, photos and a list of the items still in dispute.
5. Inspection. We inspect the property if the disputed items call for it, usually with both appraisers invited.
6. Decision and award. We decide each disputed item and prepare an award for signature.

Impartiality and disclosure

Most policies call for umpires to be competent and impartial, and both sides rely on that. Our approach to keeping it real:

• written disclosure before acceptance, covering prior dealings with either appraiser, the insurer, the policyholder or the property;
• declining appointments where a relationship could reasonably be seen as a conflict;
• no private discussion of the merits with one appraiser that the other isn’t aware of;
• keeping umpire and party-appraiser roles separate – on a file where we serve as umpire, we do not also act for either side.

Maryland Insurance Appraiser also works as a party appraiser on other claims. That experience helps an umpire understand both kinds of estimates, but it also makes careful disclosure essential, which is why it comes first.

If the appraisers can’t agree on an umpire

Sometimes the two appraisers can’t settle on a name. Many appraisal clauses provide that, in that case, either party can ask a court to appoint one. The exact process and timing depend on the policy wording, and a Maryland attorney can explain how it applies to a particular claim. A court-appointed umpire plays the same neutral role as one chosen by agreement.

What an umpire does not decide

Appraisal decides the amount of loss, not coverage. An umpire doesn’t rule on whether an exclusion applies, whether a policy condition was met, or whether the insurer handled the claim properly. If those questions come up, they belong with the insurer, the Maryland Insurance Administration or the courts. Keeping that line clear protects the award.

When a disputed item depends partly on a coverage position – for example, whether a section of roof damage predates the storm – an umpire may be asked to value it in more than one way, so the parties can apply the figure that matches however the coverage question is ultimately resolved. That keeps the panel within its role while still moving the claim forward.

For background on the full process, see how the appraisal process works, the appraisal glossary, and our guide to choosing an independent appraiser.

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