Umpire Services
The umpire is the appraisal panel's neutral: when the two party appraisers can't agree on an item, the umpire decides, and any two signatures make the award. The job requires construction and valuation competence, patience with both sides' positions, and a record neither side can object to.
Why I get selected
- A both-sides career. Nine years adjusting for carriers, ten years representing policyholders. Carrier-side and policyholder-side appraisers have both accepted me as umpire — and a California Superior Court has appointed me.
- I do the valuation work myself. Certified Xactimate estimator with twenty years of loss experience across fire, water, smoke, contents, additional living expense, and business income. I don't rubber-stamp either estimate; I test both.
- Clean process. Disclosures up front, scheduling that keeps the appraisal moving, itemized awards in a form that holds up.
Nominating me
If you're an appraiser proposing me to the other side, or counsel petitioning for an umpire appointment, the one-page CV below is written to be forwarded. My fee schedule is available by email — I keep it current and send it the same day.
Neutrality, stated plainly
As umpire I represent neither party. My public adjusting practice is disclosed to both sides before appointment, along with any prior dealings with the parties, appraisers, or counsel. If a conflict exists, I decline — before the retainer, not after.
Looking for an umpire both sides can accept?
Email is best. Include the insured's name or case caption, the carrier, the claim number if you have it, the loss location, and the role you have in mind — appraiser or umpire. I respond to every serious inquiry.