What is Xactimate estimating?+
Xactimate estimating is the process of creating detailed, line-item cost estimates for property damage repairs using Xactimate software the industry-standard platform built by Verisk Xactware. An Xactimate estimate lists every repair item as a separate line entry with a specific code, quantity, unit, and price from Xactimate's regional pricing database updated monthly for 460+ geographic areas. Approximately 80% of US property insurers use Xactimate, making it the standard language of insurance restoration estimating.
Why do insurance companies require Xactimate estimates?+
Insurance companies use Xactimate because it creates pricing uniformity between adjusters and contractors both parties work from the same regional cost database, reducing disputes and speeding up claim settlement. Before Xactimate became industry standard, estimates arrived in dozens of different formats with no common pricing reference. Xactimate creates a shared language where both parties can review the same line items, quantities, and regional pricing, making claim settlement faster and less contentious.
What damage types does Xactimate estimating cover?+
Xactimate covers all types of property damage requiring insurance claims: water damage (pipe burst, flooding, roof leaks, appliance), fire and smoke damage (structural fire, smoke remediation, odor treatment), wind damage (roof, siding, windows), hail damage (roofing, gutters, HVAC, siding), mold remediation (containment, demo, treatment, reconstruction), and storm damage of all types. Xactimate has specific line items for virtually every restoration trade including demolition, drywall, flooring, roofing, painting, content manipulation, and equipment rental.
What is a Xactimate supplement?+
A Xactimate supplement is an addition to an existing insurance estimate adding missing line items, correcting quantities, or challenging incorrect pricing that was in the original adjuster estimate. Supplements are the most common way restoration contractors recover additional payment after the carrier's initial low offer. CES supplement writing identifies all missing scope items in the adjuster's estimate, adds correct line items with documentation, and corrects quantity errors producing a formatted supplement ready for carrier submission.
How long does a Xactimate estimate take?+
CES delivers Xactimate estimates within 24 to 48 hours. Single-room or single-area estimates deliver in 24 hours. Full residential property estimates covering multiple rooms and damage categories deliver in 48 hours. Multi-unit commercial property estimates may require 48-72 hours. Rush 24-hour delivery is available at a premium. We confirm exact delivery time when we provide your fixed quote. During catastrophe events (hurricanes, major hail storms) we can scale capacity to handle high volume.
Can I use your Xactimate estimate to dispute my settlement?+
Yes. CES provides independent Xactimate estimates that property owners and public adjusters use to dispute low insurance settlement offers. Since both you and the insurance carrier are working from Xactimate's regional pricing database, a CES counter-estimate using the same Xactimate system carries significant weight in claim negotiations. Your public adjuster or attorney can use the CES Xactimate estimate to support negotiation for a higher settlement based on actual documented repair costs.
Do you handle high-volume CAT claims?+
Yes. CES provides high-volume Xactimate estimating for catastrophe response hurricanes, major hail events, winter storms. Restoration contractors and public adjusters handling multiple properties simultaneously use CES to scale estimate production during CAT season without sacrificing accuracy. We have delivered 60+ Xactimate estimates in a single week for storm response operations. Contact us before or during a CAT event to discuss volume capacity and prioritization.
What information do I need to provide for a Xactimate estimate?+
Provide: photos of all damage areas (the more the better), property zip code for correct regional pricing, scope of work notes if available, floor plan or sketch if available, adjuster's initial estimate if a supplement is needed, and claim number if available. CES can produce estimates from photos alone when necessary but the more documentation provided, the more complete and defensible the final Xactimate estimate. Send everything you have and let CES determine what additional information is needed.