How to Dispute an Insurance Estimate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Review the estimate line by line
Before disputing, understand exactly what is in the estimate and what is missing. Get a copy of the full XactimateHow Insurance Estimates Work: Xactimate Explained for HomeownersNearly every insurance repair estimate in the United States is created using Xactimate, a specialized software program. Understanding how Xactimate...
Read more → estimate. Walk through the damaged area with the estimate in hand and check each line item against the actual damage.
Make a list of missing items, incorrect quantities, and material grade discrepancies. The more specific your dispute, the more likely it is to succeed.
Get a contractor estimate
Have a licensed contractor inspect the damage and provide their own repair estimate. A contractor who is experienced with insurance claims will know Xactimate line items and can identify exactly what is missing from the insurance estimate. This gives you a professional second opinion to support your dispute.
Some contractors specialize in insurance restoration and are very effective at writing supplements.
Submit a supplement
A supplementWhat Is a Supplemental Claim and When to File OneA supplemental claim is a request to add items to your existing insurance estimate after the original scope was written. Supplements are standard i...
Read more → is a formal request to add items to or increase quantities in your existing estimate. Your contractor or public adjusterWhen Should You Hire a Public Adjuster for Your Insurance Claim?A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the homeowner, in your insurance claim. Unlike the company adjuster who works for ...
Read more → prepares a supplemental Xactimate estimate detailing the additional items with justification for each one. The supplement is submitted to your adjuster for review.
The adjuster may approve, partially approve, or deny the supplement. Multiple rounds of supplements are common on larger claims.
Request re-inspection
If the adjuster denies your supplement, ask for a re-inspection. Request that a senior adjuster or field adjuster come to the property to view the damage in person. Sometimes disputes arise from the desk adjuster not fully understanding the conditions.
A site visit can resolve discrepancies. Bring your contractor to the re-inspection so they can point out the items in question.
Formal dispute options
If negotiation and re-inspection do not resolve the dispute, you have formal options. Most policies include an appraisal clause, where each side hires an appraiser and a neutral umpire resolves disagreements. You can file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance.
You can hire a public adjuster or an attorney specializing in insurance claims. As a last resort, litigation is an option, though it is time-consuming and expensive.
See how this applies to your property
Upload photos of your damage and get a detailed analysis showing exactly where your estimate may fall short.