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Party-appointed appraiser
Independent appraiser for the insurer or the insured, separately stating actual cash value, replacement cost and the amount of loss and working the panel toward an award.
Insurance Appraiser and Umpire Services
Service as a party-appointed appraiser or a neutral umpire under the appraisal clause of a property insurance policy, on residential, commercial and condominium losses. Led by an Executive General Adjuster with more than 25 years of catastrophe and large loss experience.
Party-appointed appraiserNeutral umpireCommercial and condominiumOne role per matterSame-day conflict checks
Who we serve
- Carriers and TPAs
- Policyholder counsel
- Insurer and defense counsel
- Appraisers seeking an umpire
- Courts appointing an umpire
Appraisal that resolves the amount of loss
Appraisal resolves disputes over the amount of loss without litigation. Each side appoints a competent and independent appraiser, the appraisers select an umpire, and an award signed by any two sets the amount. Appraisal generally decides how much, not whether a loss is covered; coverage questions stay with the parties and, if necessary, the courts. The firm’s guide explains how the appraisal clause works.
The firm serves as an independent appraiser for either party and as a neutral umpire by agreement of the appraisers or by court appointment. It accepts one role per matter, discloses anything bearing on impartiality up front, and runs conflict checks before any substantive discussion. Experience includes Gulf Coast high-rise condominium complexes with up to approximately $85 million in estimated damage.
Appraisal at a glance
RolesAppraiser or umpire
DesignationExecutive General Adjuster
Experience25+ years P&C catastrophe
Largest engagement~$85M high-rise envelope
Conflict checkUsually same day
RuleOne role per matter
Services
Appraisal and umpire services
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Neutral umpire
Impartial umpire when the appraisers cannot agree, evaluating scope, causation and valuation on the evidence.
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Umpire by court appointment
Service when a court appoints the umpire under the policy or state procedure.
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Appraisal readiness review
Pre-appraisal review of the estimate and documentation so the scope that goes to the panel holds up.
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Commercial and condominium appraisal
Multi-building, association and commercial losses with business interruption and common-element questions.
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Hurricane, hail and water disputes
Roof, cladding, water intrusion and wind versus water disputes after catastrophe events.
How it works
How an appraisal engagement runs
STEP 1
Conflict check
Caption, parties, counsel and carrier cleared first.
STEP 2
Engagement
Role, fee schedule and disclosures confirmed in writing.
STEP 3
Inspection
Joint or independent inspection and document review.
STEP 4
Panel
Negotiation with the other appraiser, or umpire review.
STEP 5
Award
Itemized award signed by two of three.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Q01
Will the firm serve as appraiser for a policyholder?
Yes, as an independent party-appointed appraiser. Appraisers under most policies must be competent and independent, so the firm serves as an appraiser, not as a public adjuster or advocate.
Q02
Does the firm serve as umpire?
Yes, by agreement of the two appraisers or by court appointment, with disclosure of anything bearing on impartiality made before acceptance.
Q03
Can the firm be both appraiser and expert on the same matter?
No. The firm accepts one role per matter.
Q04
Where does the firm serve?
Nationwide, subject to state licensing or qualification rules for appraisers and umpires. See coverage by state.
Q05
What does appraisal decide?
Generally the amount of loss. Coverage questions are usually outside the panel’s authority and remain with the parties and the courts.
Continue
Related services and guides
Need an appraiser or an umpire?
Send the caption or claim number, the parties, the carrier and the role you need. Conflict checks are usually cleared the same day.