What Is Xactimate and How Does It Affect My Claim?

Xactimate is a pricing tool used across the insurance and restoration industry. It lists thousands of line items for tasks like drying, demolition, and rebuilding, each with a set price per unit. Those prices come from regional data, so they reflect typical costs in your area.

When a pro walks through your home after water damage, they measure affected spaces and note what needs to be done. That information goes into Xactimate, which then generates a detailed estimate. Your insurance adjuster often uses that same software to review and approve the claim.

Your final payout depends on your insurance policy, your deductible, and the specific damage found. Xactimate provides a baseline, but actual costs can vary. For example, if your home has custom materials or hard-to-reach areas, the estimate might not fully cover the real work.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you disagree with the estimate, you can ask for a re-inspection or provide additional documentation. It helps to keep receipts and photos of the damage.

Once you receive the Xactimate estimate from the pros, review it carefully. Check that all damaged areas are listed and that the scope of work matches what you saw. Ask questions if anything seems unclear or missing. You have the right to understand what is being claimed.

If the estimate seems low, you can request a supplemental claim. The pros can provide additional documentation or re-inspection notes to support a higher amount. Your insurance company will then decide based on your policy and the new information.

Keep these documents handy:

Keep all receipts for temporary repairs and lodging. Photograph every room, not just the visible damage. Note the date and time the damage started. Save any communication with your insurance company. Ask for a written copy of the final estimate.