Under the appraisal clause, if the appraisers cannot agree on an umpire, who can make the decision?

The appraisal clause in an insurance policy often includes provisions for resolving disputes between the insured and the insurer regarding the value of a loss. When the appraisers appointed by each party are unable to agree on an umpire, typically, the law provides that a court can intervene to appoint an umpire. This legal framework ensures that there is an impartial third party available to facilitate the appraisal process, especially when the two appraisers reach an impasse.

This involvement of the court helps to uphold the integrity of the appraisal process, ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently. By allowing the court to step in, the process remains formal and accountable, avoiding potential biases that may arise if the choice of an umpire were left solely to one of the involved parties or their associations.