Three roles a PA can play
1. Policyholder's appraiser
- PA serves on the three-person panel
- Advocates for policyholder's documented position
- Works with opposing appraiser on scope agreement
- Confers with umpire
2. Appraisal consultant
- PA prepares documentation for named appraiser
- Supports negotiations behind scenes
- Umpire rule requires disinterested panel, so PA-as-consultant preserves independence
3. Umpire (on unrelated claims)
- PA with no prior relationship can serve as umpire
- Independent decision-maker on panel
- Different matters than PA's own representations
When each role fits
PA as appraiser
- Strong understanding of the specific loss
- PA was already involved in claim
- Confidence in PA's appraisal skills
PA as consultant
- PA prefers advisory role
- Policyholder wants separate appraiser with umpire-specific expertise
- Complex matter warranting division of labor
PA as umpire (on separate matter)
- Panel members seeking experienced neutral
- PA's reputation supports selection
Conflict considerations
- Disinterested requirement for panel members
- PA's prior claim handling doesn't disqualify from policyholder-appraiser role
- PA's prior carrier work could disqualify (case-specific)