952-444-6200
What an Independence Statement Should Say

What an Independence Statement Should Say

Many appraisal provisions in property insurance policies allow either party to select their own appraiser, with those two appraisers then selecting a neutral umpire. Because the process depends on trust in the people performing it, it is common practice for an...

Browse the full Resources Index

No Financial Interest in the Outcome: Why It Matters

No Financial Interest in the Outcome: Why It Matters

The appraisal process in a property insurance dispute relies heavily on the assumption that the people conducting it, particularly the umpire, have no personal stake in which number the final award lands on. Financial disinterest is not simply a nice quality to have,...

Browse the full Resources Index

Fee Transparency in Appraisal Engagements

Fee Transparency in Appraisal Engagements

Before an appraisal or umpire engagement begins, it is standard practice to put the fee arrangement in writing, describing how the person will be compensated for their time on the file. This step is straightforward, but it matters because clarity about fees at the...

Browse the full Resources Index

Disclosure Practices That Build Trust

Disclosure Practices That Build Trust

Trust in the appraisal process is built through specific, verifiable disclosures rather than general assurances. When an appraiser or umpire is being considered for a claim, both parties benefit from knowing enough about that person’s professional history to...

Browse the full Resources Index