Washington state auto insurance law, RCW 48.18.620, establishes a standard appraisal clause for policies issued or renewed after Jan. 1, 2026. The law also requires our office to create a voluntary registry of auto umpires to assist in resolving disputes between an insurance company's and policyholder's appraisers.
To become a registered auto umpire, you need to meet certain important qualifications and requirements.
Qualifications and requirements
You must have the following qualifications to apply:
- Experience: At least five years of experience as an auto claims appraiser or a collision repair specialist.
- Prior umpire service: Verification that you have served as an umpire on an appraisal panel at least five times.
- Education: An associate degree or equivalent in auto repair or a professional certification from recognized organizations like Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, Original Equipment Manufacturers, and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
- Auto appraiser certification: A certification from an organization such as the Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers, American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers, National Automotive Appraiser Association, or Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association.
Before presiding over an appraisal panel, umpires must submit a signed attestation statement form (PDF 127.98KB) affirming their competence and neutrality in the appraisal processes.
How to apply for the voluntary registry
Before applying, please ensure you meet the qualifications. Only qualified applicants will be added to the registry.
What to include in your application:
- A resume that shows how you meet the qualifications.
- Supporting documents, including proof of your education and any relevant certifications.
- Signed attestation statement form (PDF 127.98KB)
Submit your auto umpire application
Once you submit your application to OICAutoUmpires@oic.wa.gov, we will review it and notify you of the acceptance decision. This process may take up to three weeks.
What to expect as an auto umpire
Being chosen as an auto umpire is rare and occurs only when appraisers cannot agree. The time it takes to be called may vary.
If selected, you can expect to:
- Verify your qualifications and ensure neutrality.
- Receive guidelines outlining your responsibilities.
- Connect with both appraisers involved in the dispute.
- Evaluate the appraisals and make a decision.
- Submit a brief appraisal award report.
The costs for the umpire's services are shared between both parties. We do not cover payments or manage the appraisal process or outcomes.
Please note, we do not provide legal advice to umpires or regulate how appraisals should be done. Each umpire makes decisions based on their own knowledge and experience.
How to remove your registration
If you'd like to be removed from the registry, send us an email with your request. Please note that we can also remove an umpire for cause if it is found that they were not competent or disinterested.
How to request an auto umpire
There are currently no auto umpires available to request. You can contact our team by email if you have any questions.