Appraisers and Umpires come from both sides of the storm. They are Independant Adjusters, Public Adjusters, Specialty Consultants, Contractors and more.
Certified Appraisers and Certified Umpires started their careers in various segments of the Insurance Property and Specialty Claim Industry. They then graduated to an Appraiser and/or Umpire status. Appraisers and Umpires need to keep their Certifications current. The best Appraisers and Umpires keep expanding their knowledge base and keep up on current industry events.
- What Is an Insurance Appraisal?
Often there is a wide gap between cost estimates prepared by contractors selected by property owners versus estimates prepared by insurance adjusters and /or company-selected contractors. The gap should first try to be resoved through negotiation. If negotiation results in an impasse other options are litigation, mediation or appraisal. Appraisl is an Alternative Dispute Resoluton. - Who performs the Appraisal?
Each party to the Insurance Policy, the Insured and the Carrier chooses their own Appraiser. The two Appraisers each nominate multiple Umpires. When the single Neutral Umpire is agreed upon by the Appraisers the three person Appraisal Panel is complete. - Who can be an Appraiser?
An Appraiser has signifcant experience in causation and indentifying storm or any sudden and accidental property damage. The Appraiser should be trained in the rebuild process and associated costs in restoring the property to pre-storm condition. The Appraiser must be disinterested, and impartial with no personal or company gain related to the outcome of the Award. - What are the Umpire’s Qualifications?
Selecting an Umpire in an appraisal is one of the most important decisions that can ensure any disputed valuation issue can be finalized. An umpire must be disinterested, disclose any potential conflicts and should be an expert and competent in the valuation issues being contested. When the two Appraisers cannot reach an agreement during the Umpire selection, Umpires will be appointed by a court having jurisdiction over the appraisal. In some cases this can often result in the Umpire having neither any expertise in the appraisal process nor any competence in the valuation disputes being decided by the panel. - What is the difference between Appraisal, Arbitration and Mediation?
The difference between the appraisal process and arbitration is that the appraisal process is focused on the narrow issue of the scope and amount of loss vs. Arbitration which decides if a particular claim is covered.
Mediation is a type of private legal dispute resolution where you meet with a certified mediator alongside any other parties involved in the dispute and discuss the dispute. The Mediator’s job is to help both parties talk and come to an agreement without using a traditional court system. The Mediator is not there to make a decision on your behalf. The outcome of the mediation process is only legally binding if all parties involved come to an agreement and sign paperwork to that agreement. - What do I do if I get a letter from my Insurance Company invoking Appraisal?
You will need to respond within the guidelines of your policy and the demand letter. You may want to seek the advice of an Attorney, Certified Appraiser, Public Adjuster or a other Professional competent in the Appraisal process. - How long does the Appraisal take?
Depending on the complexity of the dispute it could be resoved in several weeks or several months. - Why is it important that my Appraiser and the Umpire be Certified?
Professional Appraisers and Umpires that achieve one or more Certifications have the knowledge required to investigate, access, and value the property damages. They perform their tasks with expertise, professionalism, respect for property and person, and within the guidelines of professional ethics they are bound to by the Certifiying Organization. - Does the Appraisal Panel decide if the damages to my property are covered by my policy?
No, coverage determination is not within the pervue of the Appraisal Panel. - Can I participate in the Appraisal Panel meetings, conversations and decision?
No, the Appraisal Panel is closed to Panel Members only. You can provide neccessary information and documentation relating to the circumstances of the damages. The integrity of impartialty must be preserved. - Can the Insurance Company participate in the Appraisal Panel meetings, conversations and decision?
No, the Appraisal Panel is closed to Panel Members only. The carrier can provide neccessary information and documentation relating to the circumstances of the damages. The integrity of impartialty must be preserved. - Who pays the Appraiser?
Each party pays for their own Appraiser. - Whos pays the Umpire?
Each party equally shares in the expense of the Umpire. - How much does the Appraisal cost?
There are many variables that are taken into consideration.
The cost of an Appraisal could range from a few thousand dollars to several thousands of dollars depending on the complexity. An Appraisal is typically less expensive and less time consuming than litigation. - How do I find an Appraiser?
You can use the Advanced Filter Search in the Membership Directory of this website. The top left column is the Certified Appraiser dropdown. You can search for all or add another Search by Service Location, State or Zip Code,
