How to Write an Xactimate Estimate: Proven Steps for Accurate Insurance Claims

Writing an Xactimate Estimate is an essential skill in the insurance industry. If you lack the knowledge of how to do it, then you will be at a competitive disadvantage in the local market.

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Introduction to Xactimate Estimating Software

Xactimate is a specialized software program used to calculate the cost of construction and repair projects, especially for property damage claims. Its primary purpose is to help you create a detailed, itemized, and accurate estimate that communicates the scope and cost of repairs to homeowners, contractors, and insurance companies. Because the vast majority of insurance carriers use it, Xactimate has become the industry standard for ensuring estimates are fair and based on current, local pricing. This is why proficiency with the software is essential for a wide range of professionals, including insurance adjusters, restoration firms, and property managers.

Let’s have an in-depth look at Xactimate by going through its key features.

Key Features of Xactimate Estimating Software

Xactimate offers various features, but in the section below, we will discuss some of the most prominent ones. The following are the features that make it stand out in the market:

• In-depth Damage Assessment: Xactimate allows a user to assess the damage comprehensively and document it in an organized way. This is done through sketches, pictures, and relevant descriptions.
• Vast Pricing Database: Xactimate Estimating Software’s ability to calculate the costs of materials, labour, and other associated elements is highly accurate. This is because it includes a huge database of pricing information that is updated regularly for specific geographical locations. Moreover, estimators take every detail into account.
• Tools for Sketching: Xactimate provides a powerful sketching tool for creating extensive diagrams of damaged areas.
• Professional Report Generation: The software allows for the creation of detailed, professional-looking reports that can be easily shared with clients and insurance companies, building trust and transparency.

Above mentioned are some of the major features that Xactimate software offers. Before delving into the process of writing an estimate, let’s learn about what you will need.

Required Information for Writing an Estimate

Here’s what you need before you embark on writing an estimate:

Details of what needs to be done

It is important to know the extent of work that needs to be done. This will provide you with an understanding of the required repairs or restoration.

Additional Notes about work

Besides the extent of work, what type of damage you are dealing with must also be known. Along with any secondary issues, i.e., mold or structural weakening.

Precise measurements

It is an estimator’s job to make sure that the dimensions of the damaged area are precise.

Visual proof

A 360-degree camera must take a Visual proof of the damage to justify the line items in the estimates

Now that you have been familiarised with what information you must have before starting the estimation process, let’s find out how an Xactimate estimate is created.

How to Create an Xactimate Estimate

To create an Xactimate Estimate, the following step-by-step guide will help you understand the process:

1. Create a new project

First, you have created a new project in Xactimate software. This will include entering the project details. You will start by putting in claim information. In addition to that, it will also include the project name and type. Along with what sort of damage you are dealing with.

2. Add the Sketch of damage

Once you have entered all the information, the next step is to add a sketch of the damage. Xactimate provides you with the option of sketching, or you can also choose other sketching tools. You will create a sketch based on the parameters of Xactimate. Ensure that your sketches are as accurate as possible in terms of dimensions, openings, and other relevant damage details. 

3. Add Line Items

When sketching is complete, it is time to add line items from Xactimate’s estimate section. Xactimate provides you with two segments to deal with the line items.

• Category Codes

These codes represent the trade of repair or restoration, such as electrical, roofing, or plumbing.

• Selector Codes

They represent a specific item when dealing with a damaged area, such as wiring, shingles, or pipes

Here you have the detailed process of how Xactimate estimates are created. These generalized steps are taken for writing or creating any kind of estimate for both repair and restoration projects. But the process does not end here, as there are additional steps to ensure an estimate’s accuracy.

Additional Steps for Ultimate Accuracy

Review the whole process

Once you have completed the above processes, you must carefully review the whole estimate to check for any possible flaws. Make sure that you pay attention to quantities and their associated pricing.

Finalize the estimate

If you are satisfied with your review and it is confirmed that every detail has been included, then it is time to finalize your estimate.

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Closing Remarks

In the end, the ability to write an Xactimate Estimate is a potentially useful skill in multiple industries. No doubt mastering how to write up an estimate in Xactimate takes time. This is because there are numerous elements to deal with, such as sketching, line items, and other essential aspects. Each of these aspects has its importance and cannot be ignored at any cost. What can help you in this regard is hiring the right professional. Many companies offer professional Xactimate estimating services to handle this complex task for you. Not only do they have ample information about the working of Xactimate software. But they can also ensure that your estimates are accurate throughout the process. Apart from that, in this article, we have tried our best to cover all the essential information that will help you steer through the process proficiently.