Insurance estimates look official. Pages of line items, unit costs, quantities and codes make it hard to argue with them. But an estimate is only as good as the inspection and assumptions behind it. A line-by-line review tells you, in plain language, whether the carrier’s number holds up and where it doesn’t. For many Missouri property owners, it’s the right first step before deciding whether appraisal is worth it.
What we review
Most carriers write estimates in Xactimate or Symbility, two of the most widely used estimating platforms. Both price items using regional pricing databases. We read the estimate the way an appraiser would.
Scope: what’s included
- Every damaged room, elevation and roof slope accounted for.
- Removal and replacement of adjacent materials needed to complete repairs.
- Prep items like floor protection, content manipulation and cleanup.
- Permits, dumpster fees and temporary repairs already performed.
Quantities
Wrong measurements are common. A roof measured short by a few squares, a wall height that ignores a vaulted ceiling, or a room left off altogether can add up quickly.
Pricing
Database pricing may not match what Missouri contractors charge, especially after a big storm when labor is scarce. We compare unit prices to the local market and to the price list date used in the estimate.
Overhead and profit
General contractor overhead and profit (O&P) is commonly included when a job needs coordination across multiple trades. Carriers sometimes omit it. Whether it belongs depends on the complexity of the job and the policy.
Code items
Repairs may need to meet the current local building code, such as drip edge, ice-and-water shield, upgraded electrical or egress requirements. Whether those are paid often depends on an ordinance-or-law coverage limit.
What you get from a review
- A plain-language summary of where the estimate falls short.
- A list of missing line items and incorrect quantities.
- Pricing comparisons for the biggest-ticket items.
- An honest opinion on whether the dispute looks like an amount-of-loss issue suited to appraisal, or something else.
| Category | Common problem |
|---|---|
| Scope | Missing rooms, trades or adjacent work |
| Quantities | Short measurements, wrong pitch |
| Pricing | Outdated price list or wrong region |
| O&P | Omitted on a multi-trade job |
| Depreciation | Applied to labor or too heavily |
Depreciation: read it carefully
On replacement cost policies, carriers often withhold depreciation until repairs are completed. On actual cash value policies, depreciation is a permanent reduction. How depreciation is calculated, and whether it’s applied to labor, can make a real difference. We flag depreciation that looks excessive or inconsistent so you can ask the right questions. Some depreciation questions are legal ones; for those, talk to a Missouri attorney.
For example, an illustrative review might find a roof estimate missing starter course, drip edge and two squares of measurement, plus O&P left off a multi-trade job. Small items like these can add up to thousands of dollars on a single claim.
What happens next
Sometimes the review shows the carrier’s estimate is fair, and we’ll tell you that. Other times you can send our findings to the adjuster and get a supplement without formal appraisal. When the gap is large and the carrier won’t move, the review becomes the foundation for an appraisal demand. If you have questions about claim handling, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance accepts consumer complaints, and its website explains how to file one. Common estimate terms are explained on our questions answered page.
Questions about insurer estimate review
Do I need an estimate review before demanding appraisal?
It isn’t required, but it’s smart. A review shows whether the dispute is about the amount of loss and gives you a clear picture of what you’d be arguing for.
Can a review get my claim reopened without appraisal?
Sometimes. Many carriers will consider a documented supplement request. If they won’t, the review can support an appraisal demand.
What do I need to send for a review?
The carrier’s full estimate, not just the summary page, plus your policy declarations, photos and any contractor bids you’ve received.
