An insurance estimate (typically in Xactimate format) is a line-item breakdown of what the carrier agrees to pay. Reviewing it against your contractor's scope is how you identify missing items that warrant a supplement.
Key facts
- Most carriers use Xactimate; line items use standardized codes like RFG 240 (shingles) or RFG DRIP (drip edge).
- Commonly missing: ice & water shield, decking, drip edge, ridge vent, code upgrades, paint to match for exposed metals.
- Overhead & Profit (O&P) is typically included when 3+ trades are required on the project.
- Pricing should reflect current ZIP-code labor and material rates, not stale numbers.
- Code coverage (Ordinance or Law) endorsement items appear as a separate section.
Step-by-step
- 1
Get the full estimate from the carrier
Request the complete Xactimate PDF, not just the summary page.
- 2
Compare line items to actual scope
Walk through each line and check what's present, missing, or undersized.
- 3
Flag missing items by code reference
Code-required items have the strongest documentation footing.
- 4
Cross-check pricing
Pricing should reflect current ZIP-code rates. Outdated pricing is a common gap.
- 5
Compile supplement request
List each missing item with code reference and photo.
Frequently asked questions
What is Xactimate?+
Estimating software used by most U.S. insurance carriers to produce standardized line-item estimates.
What is O&P?+
Overhead & Profit — typically 10% + 10% — covers general contractor coordination when 3+ trades are required.
How long should the carrier's estimate be?+
A complete roof replacement estimate is typically 4–10 pages of line items, plus summary and recap pages.
What if my contractor's estimate is higher than the carrier's?+
That's normal early in the process. Bridge the gap with a documented supplement, not a price negotiation.