Why the estimate deserves a second look
An Xactimate estimate is only as good as the scope, measurements and selections the adjuster entered. The software applies regional price lists, but it does not know that your kitchen tile runs into the hallway, that your roof has three layers of shingles or that a contractor in your area cannot do the job for the listed price. A careful review often shows the real dispute is not about the software at all, but about what was left out.
What we look for
- Missing line items such as detach-and-reset, content manipulation, protection and cleanup
- Quantities that do not match field measurements
- Wrong line codes that price a lower grade of material than what was installed
- Price list and date that may not reflect current local conditions, especially after a major storm
- Depreciation applied to labor or at rates inconsistent with condition
- Overhead and profit omitted where a general contractor is reasonably needed
- Code items that belong under ordinance or law coverage
Overhead and profit on Florida claims
General contractors charge overhead and profit to coordinate trades, carry insurance and stand behind the work. Carriers sometimes leave it off, particularly on claims that involve only a few trades. Whether O&P is warranted depends on the complexity of the job, not a fixed number of trades. We look at the actual scope and explain whether a general contractor would reasonably be needed.
Reading depreciation correctly
Replacement cost policies typically pay actual cash value first and release recoverable depreciation after repairs are completed, subject to policy conditions. Roof payment schedules and ACV endorsements, which became more common after Florida’s 2022 reforms, can make some depreciation non-recoverable. We check whether the depreciation in the estimate is reasonable and whether it is labeled correctly. Use our ACV depreciation calculator to test a few line items yourself.
What you receive
Florida Insurance Appraiser provides a written summary that groups findings by category, flags the items with the most dollar impact and notes where more documentation would help. Where appropriate, we prepare a competing estimate in the same format so the comparison is apples to apples. The review stands on its own: you can use it to request a supplement from your carrier, take it to DFS mediation or use it as the starting point for appraisal.
When a review is the right first step
If you are unsure whether your claim is truly underpaid, an estimate review costs less than a full appraisal and gives you facts to work with. Our guide on what to do when a Florida claim is underpaid lays out the options. Florida Insurance Appraiser does not negotiate claims as a public adjuster and does not give legal advice; the review is an independent valuation opinion.
Common Xactimate line items worth checking
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Content manipulation | Moving furniture out of rooms before flooring or paint work |
| Detach and reset | Appliances, toilets, vanities, gutters and solar panels that must come off for repairs |
| Floor protection and masking | Protecting finished surfaces in occupied homes |
| Paint scope | Full walls or full rooms rather than isolated patches |
| Permits and fees | Required by most Florida building departments for roof and structural work |
| Dumpster and haul-off | Debris volume consistent with the tear-out scope |
What to gather before you call
- The carrier’s full estimate, ideally the PDF with all pages
- Any roof diagram or sketch attached to the estimate
- Payment letters showing ACV paid and depreciation held back
- Your contractor’s estimate, if you have one
- Photos of the damaged areas
- Your policy’s declarations page and endorsements
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in appraisal to get an estimate review?
No. Many clients use a review to decide whether appraisal is worthwhile, to request a supplement or to prepare for mediation.
Is Xactimate pricing always accurate for my area?
Xactimate uses regional price lists, but conditions change, particularly after storms. Pricing should be checked against current local costs.
Can you review a commercial estimate?
Yes. We review residential and commercial estimates, including large-loss estimates with multiple buildings.
Will the review guarantee a higher payment?
No. A review identifies potential gaps and supports your position with documentation, but no outcome can be guaranteed.