What to Look for When Selecting an Umpire for Your Appraisal Panel
What to Look for When Selecting an Umpire for Your Appraisal Panel
The umpire is the most important selection in the appraisal process. A weak umpire produces a weak award — one that may be challenged, appealed, or simply ignored. Here is what carriers, attorneys, and appraisers should look for when building their umpire panels.
1. Specific Umpire Credentials
Look for the CPAU (Certified Property Appraiser and Umpire) designation. This credential is specifically designed for the umpire role and signals that the candidate has been trained in appraisal procedure, policy interpretation, and dispute resolution.
2. Claims Experience on Both Sides
The best umpires have worked on both the carrier side and the policyholder side. This dual perspective allows them to understand each party's position and issue awards that are fair, defensible, and resistant to challenge.
3. Construction and Estimating Expertise
An umpire who cannot evaluate a line-item estimate is not equipped to resolve a scope or pricing dispute. Look for Xactimate certification, construction knowledge, and experience with the specific property types involved in the dispute.
4. A Track Record of Decisive Awards
Ask for references. A qualified umpire should be able to provide examples of disputes they have resolved, the types of properties involved, and the outcome of the process.
5. Neutrality and Professionalism
The umpire must be genuinely neutral — not a repeat player for one side or the other. Look for someone who is transparent about their background, available for both carrier and policyholder assignments, and committed to the integrity of the process.
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📞 (512) 800-0537Editorial Disclosure
This article was prepared by Matthew Wilson, AIC, AIC-M, CPAU, GRI, with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools used for research support and drafting. All content reflects the professional judgment, experience, and opinions of the author. Professional Adjusting Services, LLC reserves the right to correct, update, or revise any information contained herein at any time without prior notice. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified attorney or insurance professional regarding their specific circumstances.