Glossary

Umpire

The neutral third person who breaks the tie when the two appraisers in a claim appraisal cannot agree on the amount of a loss.

Also called: appraisal umpire, neutral umpire

In a claim appraisal, you and the insurer each name an appraiser, and those two appraisers choose a third person, the umpire. The umpire gets involved only if the appraisers cannot agree on the amount of the loss. Under the standard ISO homeowners form, the appraisers have 15 days to agree on an umpire. If they cannot, either side may ask a judge of a court of record in the state where the home is located to appoint one.

Here is how it plays out. The appraisers exchange estimates and try to settle. If they remain apart, each presents the differences to the umpire, and agreement by any two of the three sets the amount. In practice the umpire's view often decides it, because that vote can side with either appraiser. Under the standard form, you and the insurer each pay your own appraiser and share the umpire's fee equally.

The umpire is supposed to be neutral, commonly a retired judge, contractor, engineer or claims professional. Disputes over an umpire's independence are common enough that you should ask each candidate, in writing, about past work for the insurer, its law firms and your appraiser. See appraisal clause for the full process and the guide on settling a claim value dispute for strategy.

Last reviewed October 10, 2026

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Related terms

Appraisal clause A policy condition that lets either side demand a neutral panel to set the dollar amount of a loss when you and the insurer cannot agree on its value. Public adjuster A licensed claims professional hired by the policyholder, not the insurer, who documents and negotiates the claim for a fee, usually a share of the payout. Independent adjuster A claims adjuster who works for an adjusting firm or on contract, hired and paid by insurers to handle claims, especially surges after storms and wildfires. Scope of loss The written list of damaged areas and repairs an adjuster decides are needed and covered, which becomes the basis for the estimate and the payment. Suit limitation clause The policy condition that sets a deadline, often one or two years from the date of loss, for filing a lawsuit against the insurer over a claim.

Related guides

The appraisal clause: settling a claim value dispute How the appraisal clause works in a homeowners policy, what a panel can and cannot decide, what it costs, how state rules differ and when to demand it.