We are postponing the Appraiser and Umpire Certification Workshops that were scheduled for October 6 & 7 in Kansas City. We recognize the affect that Hurricane Ian will have on our attendees; many will be actively working in response to the impact of the storm.
The Windstorm Insurance Network and Greater Kansas City Claims Association are committed to the education of our industry professionals, but right now there is a bigger need for their focus on disaster response. We hope everyone in the storm path, or heading there to assist, is vigilant in their safety.
This workshop is being held in conjunction with the Greater Kansas City Claims Association. We are also offering a Certified Appraiser Workshop. If you wish to register for both, the fee is $175; click here for the dual registration.
Attendees of this workshop will receive a complimentary one-year membership in WIND. Continued membership is required to be an active Certified Umpire.
What is the WIND Certified Umpire Program?
The WIND Umpire Certification Program® was introduced in 2003 and is the first curriculum devoted to training professionals who serve as umpires in property insurance appraisals. Each year, hundreds of property insurance claims professionals complete the four-hour WIND Certified Umpire® program classes taught annually at the Windstorm Insurance Conference. Upon completion of the program, professionals further their credentials by successfully meeting the guidelines and criteria to be officially recognized as a WIND Certified Umpire. These steps include an annual call for the application process, state criminal background check, application fee, and current WIND membership.
What is a WIND Certified Umpire?
A WIND Certified Umpire® is an individual who has successfully completed the four-hour WIND Umpire Certification class and who has successfully met the guidelines, qualifications, and application steps set forth by WIND to be officially recognized as a WIND Certified Umpire. These steps include an application process, state criminal background check, application fee, read and agree to the WIND Umpire Ethical Rules and Terms and Conditions, and current WIND membership. Once these steps are completed, the applicant will be listed in the WIND Umpire Certified Directory.
Become a WIND Certified Umpire
The first step is taking this course! The next step requirements are:
- Payment of a $400 application fee (for a three-year certification)
- Must have participated in at least 10 appraisals that resulted in an executed award, having served in at least 5 of those as the umpire. WIND must be provided a list of those appraisals (including only the parties involved and dates; no proprietary or confidential information should be provided).
- Involved in the insurance claims industry for 10 years (legal, adjusting, contracting, estimating, and appraisal).
- Maintain current WIND Membership. To remain current in the WIND Certified Umpire Directory, be sure to keep your WIND membership current.
- Read and agreed to the WIND Umpire Ethical Rules and the WIND Certified Umpire Terms and Conditions.
- Complete a security/background check from one of the following: FDLE (Florida residents only), GoodHire, or ClearChecks.
Once these qualifications are met and completed, you will be listed in the WIND Certified Umpire Directory, receive a WIND Certified Umpire certificate, and emailed a logo to use in your marketing materials.
Application links will be sent to those who attend the Certified Umpire workshop.
WIND Certified UMPIRE Ethical Rules
WIND Certified Umpires agree to abide by the Windstorm Insurance Network Ethical Rules for Umpires.
