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If we [Progressive] cannot agree with you on the amount of
loss, then we [Progressive] or you may demand an appraisal
of the loss. . . . Within 30 days of any demand for appraisal,
each party shall appoint a competent and impartial appraiser
and shall notify the other party of that appraiser's identity.
The appraisers will determine the amount of loss. If they fail
to agree, the disagreement will be submitted to an impartial
umpire chosen by the appraisers, who is both competent and
a qualified expert in the subject matter. If the two appraisers
are unable to agree upon an umpire within 15 days, we
[Progressive] or you may request that a judge of a court of
record, in the county where you reside, select an umpire.
The appraisers and umpire will determine the amount of loss.
The amount of loss agreed to by both appraisers, or by one
appraiser and the umpire will be binding.
After receiving the invoice from Lloyd's of Shelton, Progressive
responded with a letter addressed to Mr. Farlow and Lloyd's of Shelton
stating, in relevant part, the following:
Lloyd's of Shelton . . . does not agree with what
[Progressive] has determined to be the reasonable amount
that is necessary to repair or replace the windshield. We
recognize that a dispute exists with respect to the amount
that is necessary to repair or replace the windshield, and the
purpose of this letter is to explain that the insurance policy
provides that an appraisal is the method to be used to resolve
the disagreement.
We are issuing to [Lloyd's of Shelton], under separate
cover, but contemporaneously with this letter, a payment in
the amount that [Progressive] has determined to be the
reasonable amount that is necessary to repair or replace the
windshield. As a dispute exists with respect to the amount of
loss, please be advised that [Progressive] immediately places
[Mr. Farlow] and [Lloyd's of Shelton] on notice that it invokes
its right to appraisal as set forth in the insurance policy.
. . . .
[Progressive]'s selected appraiser is Linda Rollinson,
Auto Glass Industry Services . . . .