Neutral appraisal and umpire service
Appraisal & Umpire Services
We serve as appraiser or umpire on property insurance disputes, bringing construction-grounded valuation to the process and producing awards that both sides can understand and rely on.
What We Do & Why It Matters
Appraisal and Umpire Services
The appraisal clause in a property insurance policy provides a defined process for resolving disputes when the insurer and the insured cannot agree on the amount of a loss. Each party selects a competent appraiser, and if those two appraisers cannot reach agreement, they select a neutral umpire to help resolve the outstanding differences.
At 360BGC, our consultants bring the construction expertise and professional credibility that the appraisal process demands. We have been involved in appraisals across a wide range of property types and loss categories, and we understand how to navigate the process efficiently and effectively.
Our Approach & Tools
How We Approach Appraisal Engagements
- 01Thorough review of all available claim documentation and correspondence
- 02Independent site inspection to evaluate the damages firsthand where applicable
- 03Detailed scope and cost analysis using industry standard platforms and references
- 04Development of a well-documented appraisal position supported by construction expertise
- 05Clear, professional communication throughout the appraisal process
- 06Participation in umpire selection where needed and umpire services when appointed
- 07Documentation designed to support the appraisal award if the matter is later challenged
Serving as Appraiser or Umpire
- As an Appraiser: When we serve as an appraiser, we represent the interests of the party that appointed us with technical precision and professional integrity. We evaluate the scope and cost of the loss independently, develop a documented position, and work toward a resolution that reflects the actual extent of the covered damages. We bring construction credibility to the table that strengthens the appraisal process for everyone involved.
- As an Umpire: When we serve as an umpire, our role is neutrality. We review the positions of both appraisers with equal rigor, apply our construction expertise to evaluate the areas of disagreement, and work toward an award that is technically sound and fair to all parties. Our goal as an umpire is always a resolution that reflects the facts of the loss, not simply a split of the difference.
Common questions
FAQ
What is the appraisal clause in a property insurance policy?
The appraisal clause is a provision found in most property insurance policies that provides a process for resolving disputes about the amount of a loss. When the insurer and the insured disagree on the value of the claim, either party can invoke the appraisal clause. Each side then selects a competent appraiser, and those two appraisers either reach agreement or select a neutral umpire to resolve the differences. The resulting award is binding on both parties.
What is the difference between an appraiser and an umpire in this process?
An appraiser represents the interests of the party that appointed them, either the insurer or the insured. Their job is to evaluate the scope and cost of the loss and advocate for their appointing party's position. An umpire is a neutral third party selected by the two appraisers when they cannot reach agreement. The umpire reviews both positions and works with the appraisers to reach a resolution. An award signed by any two of the three parties, meaning either appraiser agreeing with the umpire, is binding.
Why is construction expertise important in the appraisal process?
The appraisal process is fundamentally a construction and cost dispute. The questions at the heart of it are whether the scope is complete and whether the costs are reasonable. Without deep construction knowledge, it is very difficult to evaluate those questions with any real precision. An appraiser or umpire who understands how buildings are put together, what repairs actually cost, and how to read a scope of work is far more effective in this process than one who relies primarily on negotiating experience.
Can you serve as both appraiser and umpire?
We can serve in either role, but not both on the same matter. We function as an appraiser when appointed by one of the parties and as an umpire when selected jointly by the two appraisers to serve as the neutral. The roles are distinct and we maintain the appropriate professional boundaries in every engagement.