The Insurance Umpire Process Explained

What Is the Umpire Process?

The umpire process is the final step in the insurance appraisal clause when the two appraisers — the policyholder's and the insurer's — cannot agree on a vehicle's value. The umpire acts as a neutral decision-maker whose opinion, combined with either appraiser's agreement, becomes binding.

Think of it like baseball: the two appraisers make their cases, and the umpire makes the call. The key difference is that in insurance, the umpire's decision must be supported by one of the two appraisers to become binding — any two of the three parties in agreement establishes the final value.

How the Umpire Process Works: Timeline

1. Appraiser disagreement (Day 0): The two appraisers exchange findings and cannot reach agreement on the vehicle's value.
2. Umpire selection (Days 1-14): The two appraisers must agree on a neutral umpire. This is often the most contentious step — the insurer's appraiser may resist umpires known to be fair to consumers.
3. Umpire review (Days 15-30): The umpire receives both appraisals, supporting documentation, and may independently inspect the vehicle.
4. Umpire determination (Days 30-45): The umpire reviews both positions and issues a determination. The umpire's value, if agreed to by either appraiser, becomes binding.
5. Payment (Days 45-60): The insurer issues payment based on the binding determination, typically within 30 days.

Umpire Selection: Why It Matters

The selection of the umpire is often the most important moment in the process. A qualified umpire should be:

• Certified and credentialed: ASCAA certification or equivalent demonstrates competence and professionalism
• Experienced in the appraisal clause: Understanding the process, methodology, and what constitutes valid comparable evidence
• Truly neutral: No financial relationship with either the policyholder or the insurance company
• USPAP-compliant: Following the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice

Washington State (SB 5721) set the national standard by creating a formal umpire registration program and specifically recognizing ASCAA as a certification organization for umpires.

Costs of the Umpire Process

• Your appraiser: $250-$450 (paid by you)
• Insurer's appraiser: Paid by the insurer
• Umpire fee: $250-$500 (typically split equally between you and the insurer)
• Your total out-of-pocket: $375-$700
• Typical additional recovery: $2,000-$8,000+ above the insurer's original offer

ASCAA-Certified Umpires

ASCAA-certified appraisers serve as umpires in thousands of insurance disputes annually. Our umpires are trusted by both consumer advocates and insurance professionals because they deliver:

• Fair, evidence-based decisions grounded in actual market data
• USPAP-compliant methodology that withstands legal scrutiny
• Timely resolution — most umpire determinations within 30 days
• Transparent reasoning with written rationale for the determination