Whenever appraisers selected under the standard provisions for fire insurance policies set out in § 38.2-2105 fail for fifteen days to agree upon a person to serve as umpire, the insured or the insurer may apply in writing, for the appointment of an umpire, to the judge of the circuit court of the county or city in which the damaged or destroyed property was located at the time of loss. If the application is filed by the insured, a copy of the application shall first be delivered to a registered agent of the insurer. If the application is filed by the insurer, a copy of the application shall first be delivered to the insured. Upon showing, by affidavit or otherwise, the failure or neglect of the appraisers to agree upon and select an umpire within the time specified in the policy, the judge shall upon twenty-one days' notice to all parties appoint a competent and disinterested person to serve as umpire in determining the amount of loss or damage sustained.
Code 1950, § 38-172; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-375; 1986, c. 562; 1992, c. 470.