Steve Schmitt

Umpire

Personal Profile

Over the course of my career as an umpire and appraiser, I have rendered awards in more than 2,000 cases, ranging from residential claims valued in the thousands to commercial losses involving multiple millions of dollars. These cases have included everything from minor damage to catastrophic losses.

Since 2022, 100% of my work has been as an umpire. I no longer accept appraiser assignments on behalf of either insurance carriers or policyholders. Before transitioning exclusively to umpire work, approximately 90% of my appraisal assignments were on behalf of insurance carriers and 10% on behalf of policyholders. That experience provides an understanding of both perspectives and informs my work as an impartial umpire.

My experience includes appraisals and umpire assignments involving single family and multifamily residences, condominium associations and individual units, apartment complexes, hotels, automotive and entertainment facilities, medical facilities, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail storefronts, funeral homes, municipal properties, schools, daycare facilities, farms, ranches, restaurants, and office buildings. Through these assignments and continuing education, I have developed extensive knowledge of the scope, valuation, and repair considerations involved in a wide variety of property losses.

Professional Experience

Umpire
SlS Claims | 2009 - Present

• Specializes in the appraisal process as the named umpire whether selected by the appraisers or appointed by the courts.
• Concludes residential and commercial appraisals in accordance with the appraisal provision of the insurance policy.

Catastrophe Director
Advanced Claims Concepts | 2008-2015

• Developed a Cat team with a roster of 600+ plus field adjusters and 20 file examiners.
• Managed and directed all aspects of catastrophe events throughout the US.
• Concluded residential and commercial appraisals in accordance with the appraisal provision of the insurance policy.

Operating Owner
Professional Claims Representative | 2005-2008

• Formed an adjusting company as a start-up company which serviced 50 states.
• Trained and managed field staff to service the carriers assignments.
• Concluded residential and commercial appraisals in accordance with the appraisal provision of the insurance policy.

Claims Representative and Claims Manager
NCA Group | 1996-2005

• Managed, investigated and settled homeowners claims in the state of Florida Recruitment and development of field adjusters and claim examiners
• Developed adjuster training programs.
• Responsible for quality control through audits and re-inspections. 

Catastrophe Adjuster
Wardlaw Claims | 1988-1996

• Investigated and settled property catastrophe claims throughout the United States.
• Completed re-inspections of homeowner catastrophe property claims. 

Educational History

Vincennes University | 1980
Jasper, IN