Your insurance company used Xactimate—the same software used industry-wide. That doesn't mean the estimate is correct. Here's how to review it and recover what you're owed.
⚠️ Xactimate estimates are only as good as the data entered. Wrong region, outdated pricing, missing line items—these errors cost policyholders thousands. Most estimates have correctable errors worth $10,000-$40,000.
Xactimate is the estimating platform used by nearly every major property insurance carrier. Adjusters build repair estimates by selecting line items from a central database. Each line has a price that varies by geographic region, date, and quality level. The software produces a detailed, line-by-line estimate that looks authoritative—but it's only as accurate as the inputs.
When an adjuster selects the wrong region, uses an outdated pricing release, omits line items, or chooses lower quality materials than required, the estimate undervalues your claim. These aren't rare mistakes. They're systemic. Policyholders who review Xactimate estimates and document the gaps routinely recover $10,000-$40,000 in supplemental payment. See our guide on how insurance companies calculate settlements and our supplement master guide for the full process.
Xactimate estimate $28,400. Wrong region + missing O&P. Recovered $14,200.
Carrier estimate $19,100. Missing dry-out, mold scope. Recovered $18,650.
Initial Xactimate $41,000. Pricing + code upgrades disputed. Recovered $26,400.
You don't need Xactimate software. Request a PDF or printed copy of the estimate. Then:
Obtain at least two itemized contractor estimates. These become your proof of market rates and complete scope. Make sure they include every repair task—tear-out, disposal, materials, labor, permits, code items.
Create a comparison document: carrier line vs. contractor line vs. your requested amount. For each discrepancy, note the evidence (contractor quote, permit fee, code citation). This becomes your supplement schedule.
If labor or material pricing is low, gather supplier quotes, trade association rate data, or additional contractor bids. Prove that the Xactimate pricing does not reflect actual cost in your area.
Send a structured supplement letter with your itemized comparison and supporting documentation. Reference specific line numbers. Request a revised estimate or supplemental payment within 30 days.
Our estimate comparison tools and dispute templates help you document pricing gaps and recover $10,000-$40,000. No software purchase required.
Start Your Claim ReviewXactimate relies on a pricing database maintained by Verisk. Insurance carriers often configure their systems to use conservative (low) defaults. Adjusters may not update region, date, or quality settings. The result: estimates that look detailed and professional but systematically undervalue repairs.
Your job is not to become a Xactimate expert. Your job is to prove, with contractor estimates and market data, that the numbers don't match reality. When you do that, carriers adjust. They have a contractual obligation to pay for necessary repairs at prevailing rates. The Xactimate estimate is their starting point—not the final word.
Xactimate is the industry-standard estimating software used by most property insurance carriers. It generates repair estimates using line-item pricing from a central database. Insurers use it for consistency, but the database pricing is often outdated or set to regional defaults that don't reflect actual market rates in your area.
Yes. Xactimate estimates are not binding. You can challenge incorrect pricing, missing line items, wrong quantities, and inappropriate quality selections. Document market rates with contractor estimates and supplier quotes, then submit a supplement or formal dispute with your proof.
Policyholders who challenge Xactimate estimates with proper documentation typically recover $10,000-$40,000 in additional payment. The variance depends on the extent of pricing gaps, missing scope, and regional labor rate discrepancies.
Common errors include: pricing set to wrong geographic region, outdated pricing database, missing overhead and profit, excluded code upgrades, incorrect quantities (square footage, linear feet), wrong labor rates, and scope items left out entirely.
No. You can review a Xactimate estimate using the PDF or printout the carrier provides. Compare it line by line to contractor estimates. Document pricing gaps with market rate evidence. You don't need access to the software to successfully challenge it.