NEAA

The New England Association of Arbitrators is here to help you find a qualified umpire to settle your Right to Appraisal claim! 

What is this Right to Appraisal? The Right to Appraisal is a provision found in Rhode Island auto insurance policies and in policies nationwide. It is a process designed to resolve disputes between an insurance company and an insured or claimant when they cannot agree on the repairs needed for a vehicle and/or the cost of those repairs.

After an auto accident, you take your vehicle to be repaired at an auto body collision center or repair facility. When there’s a dispute over the value of a loss, you, or in some states, the insurance company, can invoke this Right to Appraisal provision in your insurance policy. Each side selects a qualified appraiser, and the two appraisers attempt to reach an agreement on the value. If they cannot reach an agreement, the responsibility then falls on a neutral third party, called an umpire, to make a binding decision. The specific rules and procedures vary by state. 

Most states do not dictate the Right to Appraisal process; however, Rhode Island does. On March 12, 2025, an amendment was introduced to the Rhode Island General Laws related to the Right to Appraisal process, Chapter 27-10.4-1, Motor Vehicle Appraisal Provision. A key change is that the insured or claimant is now responsible for selecting an umpire if the appraisers (one chosen by the insured or claimant and the other by the insurance company) are unable to reach an agreement on repairs and cannot agree on an umpire to decide the case. 

The provision requires the insured or claimant to obtain an umpire from an independent association for arbitration. This is where the New England Association of Arbitrators (NEAA) steps in. Founded in 2025, our organization was established to meet the need for such an association in the New England area, ensuring consumers can access umpires who are familiar with the region’s auto collision repair landscape. 

To join the NEAA as an umpire, specifically for Rhode Island cases, a person must be a licensed appraiser, have at least two (2) years of experience, be committed to ethical, impartial, and professional conduct, and be dedicated to ongoing professional development by staying informed of industry trends, standards, relevant statutes, and OEM repair procedures. Therefore, if you are looking for an umpire to settle a Right to Appraisal for your collision claim, consider using our list! You can find our New England Association of Arbitrators Member List on our website. Here, you can review profiles of Rhode Island appraisers who meet the above criteria and obtain the contact information for the appraiser you select. Some of our appraisers also conduct appraisals for the initial part of the Right to Appraisal process.  

When you invoke your Right to Appraisal clause, turn to the New England Association of Arbitrators to find an umpire. Our site contains information about the organization, the Right to Appraisal Process, and our role in the process. Not only is this a resource for finding an umpire, but it also helps you better understand the whole process. 

http://www.NewEnglandArbitrators.org

Lastly, if you are a licensed appraiser who qualifies for membership and would like to be considered for membership, please complete our NEAA Membership Application. Or if you own a body shop and have a customer considering an appraisal, share our website as a resource!

Any additional questions? Visit our website or email us at newenglandarbitrators@gmail.com.