The umpire's role
An umpire does not re-adjust the claim and does not decide alone. Under a standard appraisal clause, and under the 2027 Texas residential rules, the appraisers first attempt to agree. Only the items they cannot resolve are submitted to the umpire, and an award is valid only when signed by two of the three. The umpire's job is to review both appraisers' positions on each disputed item, inspect where necessary, and sign the number the evidence supports.
Qualifications and independence
28 TAC ยง5.9804 requires an umpire on a residential dwelling loss to be competent by training or experience, independent of the parties, disinterested in the outcome, and either a licensed adjuster or public adjuster with residential estimating experience, an engineer or architect, or someone with relevant trade experience. Our umpire is a Texas-licensed public adjuster with residential and commercial estimating experience.
Before accepting any umpire appointment we disclose in writing any prior dealings with either party, either appraiser or any counsel involved, and we decline appointments where a reasonable person could question our neutrality. That includes any claim in which Rise Public Adjusting has acted as public adjuster or appraiser.
How an umpire engagement works
- Both appraisers jointly request our availability and we confirm there are no conflicts.
- We send a short engagement letter with a flat or hourly fee, which the parties typically split equally unless the policy says otherwise.
- Each appraiser submits its estimate and a statement of the disputed items.
- We inspect the property with both appraisers present where an inspection is useful.
- We issue an itemized award on the disputed items, and the award is signed by us and at least one appraiser.
Under the 2027 residential rules, an umpire award must issue within 240 days of the appraisal demand. If it does not, the umpire's engagement ends automatically and the appraisers must select a new umpire within 15 days. We calendar that deadline on day one.
Appraisers and attorneys seeking an umpire for a Texas loss can reach us at the number above. Please include the claim number, the parties, both appraisers' names and the policy's appraisal clause with your inquiry.
Joseph DittmanAppraiser and licensed Texas public adjuster (Texas public adjuster license #3356839). Joseph serves as policyholder-appointed appraiser and as umpire on property losses across Texas. About