The complexities of insurance appraisals and claims are not as straightforward as they may seem. Oftentimes, it consists of two experts, which could be public adjusters, engineers, architects, or building consultants, negotiating a fair agreement for both parties. When the negotiations aren’t being reached in a timely manner or nothing is being agreed upon, it may be time to seek the help of an insurance umpire.
We at Higgins & Associates are often called upon to provide insurance umpiring services in multiple states across the nation in the case of a deadlocked appraisal. Our professionals are qualified to ensure a fair and objective result is achieved by utilizing our extensive knowledge of various forensic engineering and insurance standards.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Is an Insurance Umpire?
When a policyholder and an insurance adjuster reach an impasse during a claim, they need an objective voice to come in to assess the situation and the cost of the damage to the property. An insurance umpire will examine all the evidence at hand, and their opinion becomes the last word in the discussion.
These professionals are industry experts who can provide comprehensive insight into the case, ensuring that both parties receive a fair outcome.
What is the Process of Working With an Insurance Umpire?
You can benefit from having an insurance umpire take over your case for many reasons. They’re here to give an unbiased perspective on the matter, which will take less time and lower the risk of the need for litigation support.
Before you hire a legal tiebreaker, it’s important to understand the insurance umpire process:
- Two-Way Appraisal: When both parties can’t agree on a settlement, they can both hire independent appraisers to submit a total.
- The Need for An Umpire: If the two appraisers’ estimates are vastly different, then a neutral third party is called in to settle the disagreement.
- Umpire Review: The insurance umpire will examine all information and evidence. Additionally, they may conduct their own investigation for more specific details.
- Final Decision: After the umpire has examined all information, they will make a decision. This decision is legally binding and must be accepted by the policyholder and the insurance company.
Our insurance appraisal umpires at Higgins & Associates provide unbiased and researched decisions regarding insurance claims. Contact us today to learn more.
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