An appraiser for policyholders
If you or your insurance company has demanded appraisal, the policy usually gives each side a short window to name its appraiser. Skyland can serve as your appraiser.
Your appraiser values the disputed loss for your side and works with the insurer's appraiser to reach an agreed amount. Nelson Avila reviews your appraisal clause, inspects the property and prepares an itemized estimate of the items in dispute.
When appraisal fits
Appraisal is built for a disagreement about how much a loss costs: the scope of repairs, the price of materials and labor, or the value of damaged items. It is generally not the place to decide whether the policy covers the loss at all.
Act on the deadline
Many homeowners policies give each side 20 days from the written demand to name an appraiser. Your policy may use a different period, so check the appraisal clause in your own policy and contact Skyland as soon as appraisal is demanded.
What Nelson does as your appraiser
- Reviews the policyThe appraisal clause, the demand and the estimates already exchanged.
- Inspects the propertyDocuments the disputed damage with photos and measurements.
- Prepares an itemized estimateValues each disputed item, drawing on his experience as a Florida Certified Residential Contractor.
- Works with the insurer's appraiserCompares estimates item by item and agrees what can be agreed.
- Presents differences to the umpireSubmits documentation on each item still in dispute, then signs the award once two panel members agree.
If someone already represents you
Skyland works alongside a public adjuster or attorney you have already hired.
Fees
You pay your own appraiser. Skyland's fee is hourly or flat, agreed in writing before work starts, and never a percentage of the award. Many homeowners policies split the umpire's cost and other appraisal expenses equally between you and the insurer. How fees work ›
Impartiality
Before accepting any assignment, Skyland checks for conflicts and discloses in writing any prior relationship with a party, attorney or appraiser on the claim. Fees are agreed in writing and never depend on the amount of the award.
Need an appraiser or umpire?
Send the claim basics and the role you need. Nelson Avila reviews each request and replies by phone or email.