Frequently asked questions
Short answers about appraisers, umpires and how Skyland works.
What does a property insurance appraiser do?
A property insurance appraiser values a disputed loss for the side that appointed them and works with the other side's appraiser to agree on the amount. Items they cannot agree on go to the umpire.
What does an insurance umpire do?
An umpire decides the items the two appraisers cannot agree on. Under most appraisal clauses, a written award agreed to by any two of the three panel members sets the amount of loss.
How is the umpire chosen?
The two appraisers choose the umpire together. If they cannot agree within the period the policy sets, which is 15 days in many homeowners policies, either party may ask a court to choose.
Does Skyland work for insurance carriers?
Yes. Insurers, third-party administrators and independent adjusting firms can appoint Skyland as the carrier's appraiser.
How are Skyland's fees charged?
Appraiser fees are hourly or flat, agreed in writing before work starts, and never a percentage of the award. Umpire fees are paid the way the policy's appraisal clause provides.
Who pays the umpire?
The policy decides. Many homeowners policies split the umpire's fee and the other costs of appraisal equally between the policyholder and the insurer, while each side pays its own appraiser.
Does appraisal decide whether my loss is covered?
Generally, no. Appraisal sets the amount of a loss; coverage questions are generally for the parties and the courts. Where that line falls depends on the policy and the state.
Where does Skyland work?
In all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Nelson Avila is based in Miami Lakes, Florida, and confirms travel and inspection arrangements in writing when an assignment is accepted.
Do you work in Spanish?
Yes. Nelson Avila handles inspections, calls, estimates and written submissions in English or Spanish.
What should I send to request an appraiser or umpire?
The full policy, the appraisal demand, each side's estimate if exchanged, photos, the claim number, the loss address and any deadline already running. For an umpire request, include both appraisers' names and the parties' counsel for the conflict check.
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.