What the umpire does in an appraisal
Appraisal starts with two people: your appraiser and the insurer's appraiser. Each reviews the loss and tries to reach an agreed figure for the amount of loss, which on a total loss is the vehicle's actual cash value.
The umpire only matters when those two cannot agree. At that point the umpire looks at the specific items still in dispute and decides between the positions. A written agreement signed by any two of the three people (both appraisers, or one appraiser plus the umpire) typically sets the amount of loss.
So the umpire is a tiebreaker, not a third full appraisal. Many appraisals never need one.
How the umpire is chosen
Most auto policies follow a similar sequence, though the details are in your own wording:
- Each side names its appraiser after a written demand.
- The two appraisers try to agree on an umpire, often before they start on value, so one is in place if needed.
- If they cannot agree on a person within the time the policy allows, either side may ask a court to appoint one. Many forms describe this as a judge of a court with jurisdiction.
Some state endorsements change the timing or method. Read the "Appraisal" section of your policy and any state amendment before you assume the order.
What makes a good umpire
The umpire should be neutral in fact and in appearance. Practical qualities to look for:
- Vehicle valuation experience. Someone who understands comparables, mileage adjustments and condition ratings.
- No ties to either side. No ongoing business with your appraiser, the insurer, or the insurer's appraiser that would raise a fair question.
- Clear fee terms in writing. Hourly or flat, and what is included.
- A plan for the paperwork. How they want positions submitted and how they will write the decision.
Ask each candidate to disclose any relationships with the parties. A short written disclosure at the start can head off a challenge later.
Who pays the umpire
Under many appraisal clauses:
- You pay your own appraiser.
- The insurer pays its appraiser.
- You and the insurer split the umpire's fee and other shared costs equally.
Some states or forms handle costs differently, so check your exact wording. Get the umpire's fee terms in writing before the work begins, and confirm how each side will be billed.
Your own appraiser's fee is the other cost you control. Anchor Auto Appraisals works for a flat fee, never a cut of the settlement, so our pay does not depend on the number.
What the umpire can and cannot decide
The umpire's role is limited to the amount of loss. Typically that means:
- Which comparables are fair matches
- How much to adjust for mileage, options and condition
- The final actual cash value figure, or the specific line items in dispute
The umpire generally does not decide coverage, fault, whether the insurer acted in bad faith, or what the policy means. Appraisal decides the amount of loss, not coverage. If the real fight is about coverage, an umpire cannot resolve it.
How to keep the umpire stage short
The umpire works from what the appraisers submit. Tight submissions make for faster decisions. Your appraiser's file should include:
- The insurer's full valuation report and the specific line items you dispute
- Each of your comparables with source, date, price, mileage and equipment
- A short explanation of every adjustment
- Photos and records that support condition, plus the window sticker or build sheet
Narrow the dispute before it reaches the umpire. If the appraisers agree on most items and differ on two, the umpire should only see those two.
When the appraisers cannot agree on an umpire
Deadlock over who the umpire should be happens. Common ways through it:
- Each appraiser proposes a short list and they look for overlap.
- They agree on a neutral method, such as alternating strikes from a combined list.
- If the policy allows it, either side asks a court to appoint an umpire.
Keep every proposal and response in writing. If a court appointment becomes necessary, that record shows you acted in good faith.
A typical umpire timeline
No two claims move at the same pace, but the umpire stage usually follows a recognizable order:
- The appraisers agree on a candidate and confirm the umpire is willing and free of conflicts.
- The umpire sends written fee terms and any rules for submissions.
- Each appraiser submits a written position on the items still in dispute, with supporting evidence.
- The umpire may ask questions, request records, or hold a short call with both appraisers.
- The umpire issues a decision on the disputed items.
- The umpire and at least one appraiser sign the award, which goes to you and the insurer.
Your policy may set deadlines for some of these steps. Where it does not, ask the umpire to propose a schedule in writing at the start so everyone knows what comes next.
What a signed umpire award looks like
An award is usually a short document. It identifies the claim and the vehicle, states the amount of loss (sometimes broken into line items), and carries the signatures of the people who agree to it. It does not usually explain the reasoning at length.
Read it closely when it arrives. Check that the claim number, VIN and date of loss are right, and that the figure matches what was decided. Then confirm in writing how and when the insurer will pay, after your deductible, any amounts already paid, and any loan payoff. If anything looks wrong, raise it in writing right away rather than waiting.
Our role, plainly
We are an independent appraisal service. We can serve as your appraiser, help agree on a neutral umpire, and prepare a documented submission. We are not a law firm or a public adjuster, and we do not represent you in negotiations. For questions about court appointment, enforcing an award, or coverage, talk to an attorney.