Prohibited communications

A. All of the following provisions apply after an umpire's selection and before the appraisal process ends: (1) The umpire shall not communicate separately with either party or either party's appraiser regarding the pending appraisal unless the umpire notifies the other party and gives the other party the opportunity to participate. (2) The parties and respective appraisers shall not communicate with the umpire regarding the appraisal without including the other party or appraiser, except that: (a) An appraiser may identify the parties' counsel or experts. (b) An appraiser may discuss logistical matters, such as setting the time and place of meetings or making other arrangements for the conduct of the proceedings. The appraiser initiating this contact with the umpire shall promptly inform the other appraiser. (c) If an appraiser fails to attend a meeting or conference call after receiving notice, or if both parties agree in writing, the opposing appraiser may discuss the claim with the umpire who is present. B. After receiving notice of a possible inclusion on an umpire selection panel, the umpire shall not at any time communicate information about the appraisal with any individual besides the parties' designated representatives, the insurer, the appraisers, and the commissioner. However, the umpire may communicate information about the appraisal with the written consent of both parties.