Washington Insurance Appraisal Law
A Washington appellate court treats an appraisal award as conclusive on the amount of loss, while recognizing that evidence of bias or lack of disinterestedness can raise fact questions for a jury.
Scope: Property insurance appraisal under policy appraisal clauses. HB 1645 (2025-2026), which would set a statutory property appraisal clause, had not passed the House committee as of October 20, 2026. Automobile appraisal rules are not covered here.
Partially reviewed Review due Verified against the linked sources on October 20, 2026 · next review January 18, 2027
| Subject | Washington rule | Authority and related decisions |
|---|---|---|
| Award | Conclusive; bias claims may go to a jury. Bainter v. United Pacific Insurance Co., 50 Wash. App. 242 (1988): the general rule is that an invoked appraisal award is "conclusive as to the amount of loss," but where the insured questions fairness "through allegations of bias, prejudice, or lack of disinterestedness on the part of either an appraiser or the umpire, factual issues properly reserved for jury determination may arise." The court affirmed confirmation of the award in that case. | Court decision Bainter v. United Pacific Insurance Co., 50 Wash. App. 242 (1988) Court decision Bainter v. United Pacific Insurance Co. (50 Wash. App. 242, 1988) |
Not yet reviewed for Washington: state license, contingency fees, impartiality, umpire selection, causation, coverage, deadlines.
Washington authorities by category
Administrative rules and codes
Regulator: Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Washington court decisions
- Bainter v. United Pacific Insurance Co. (50 Wash. App. 242, 1988) (Court of Appeals of Washington, Division III): Affirmed confirmation of an appraisal award. An invoked award is generally conclusive on the amount of loss, but allegations of bias, prejudice or lack of disinterestedness by an appraiser or umpire can raise fact questions for a jury. Subjects: Award
Research, not legal advice. Each entry summarizes the linked statute, regulation, guidance or court decision as checked on the date shown. Laws change, policy wording controls, and courts in the same state can disagree. Read the source and consult a licensed attorney before relying on any entry. Coverage is not yet exhaustive: states marked "Not yet reviewed" have not been researched, not "no rule".
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Frequently asked questions
Is an appraisal award binding in Washington, and how is it enforced?
Conclusive; bias claims may go to a jury. Bainter v. United Pacific Insurance Co., 50 Wash. App. 242 (1988): the general rule is that an invoked appraisal award is "conclusive as to the amount of loss," but where the insured questions fairness "through allegations of bias, prejudice, or lack of disinterestedness on the part of either an appraiser or the umpire, factual issues properly reserved for jury determination may arise." The court affirmed confirmation of the award in that case.