Your contractor says $65,000. The insurance company says $28,000. Here's why that gap is common—and how to document it so you get paid.
Gaps of $15,000-$50,000 between contractor and insurance estimates are typical. Insurance carriers rely on minimal scope and low pricing. You can document the difference and recover it.
Contractors prepare estimates to actually repair your property. They include every damaged component, current material costs, prevailing labor rates in your area, permits, code upgrades, and overhead and profit. Insurance company estimates are built from databases designed to minimize payouts. The result is systematic underpayment.
Carrier estimates omit damaged items: flashing, drip edge, underlayment, interior finishes, code-required upgrades. Contractors include everything.
Insurance databases use regional or outdated rates. Contractors charge what materials and labor actually cost in your market today.
Carriers undercount square footage, linear feet, or unit counts. Contractors measure on-site and include waste factors.
Based on claim data across residential property losses:
You need a line-by-line comparison that shows exactly where the carrier's estimate falls short:
Carriers respond to documented proof. When you submit a clear comparison with supporting evidence, most increase offers within 2-4 weeks.
Compare carrier and contractor estimates line by line. Most policyholders recover $15,000-$50,000 more when gaps are properly documented.
Start Your Claim ReviewInsurance estimates often omit scope, use outdated pricing, undercount quantities, and exclude overhead and profit. Contractors bid on actual scope and current market rates.
Yes, with documentation. Submit a line-by-line comparison with market rate proof. Most carriers increase offers when faced with documented evidence.
Gaps of $15,000-$50,000 are common. Roof claims often show $20,000-$40,000 differences. The insurance estimate is often 40-60% below actual repair cost.
Yes. Get at least three detailed, itemized estimates from licensed contractors. Multiple estimates strengthen your case and establish market rate.
Request their pricing sources. Provide supplier quotes, labor rate documentation, and comparable bids. The burden is on the carrier to justify their estimate.