A contractor’s written proposal detailing the cost and scope of repairing or replacing your roof — and the document that reveals whether your insurance settlement actually covers the full job.
Table of Contents
- What a Contractor’s Quote Is
- How It Fits Into the Claims Process
- What a Complete Quote Should Include
- Getting Multiple Quotes
- Xactimate vs. Non-Xactimate Quotes
- Quote vs. Estimate vs. Contract
- Common Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Related Glossary Terms
What a Contractor’s Quote Is
A contractor’s quote — also called an estimate or proposal — is a written document that outlines:
- The scope of work
- The materials to be used
- The total project cost
In an insurance claim, the quote serves two critical roles:
- Defines the true cost of restoring the roof
- Reveals what the insurance estimate is missing
When used correctly, it becomes the foundation of a Supplemental Claim.
How It Fits Into the Claims Process
Before the Adjuster Inspection
A contractor’s findings help identify damage the adjuster might miss.
After the Insurance Estimate
The quote becomes the comparison document against the carrier’s Insurance Estimate.
During Supplement Negotiation
Differences between the quote and estimate form the basis for supplements.
Before Final Settlement
Confirm the settlement fully covers the contractor’s scope before accepting.
If the quote is higher than the insurance estimate — there is a gap to resolve.
What a Complete Quote Should Include
- Tear-off and disposal
- Decking repair/replacement
- Underlayment
- Ice and Water Shield
- Drip edge
- Starter strip
- Field shingles (with specs)
- Hip and ridge cap
- Pipe boots (per penetration)
- Flashing (all types)
- Ventilation components
- Code upgrade items
- Collateral damage (gutters, fascia, etc.)
- Permit fee
- Overhead and Profit (O&P)
Missing items here = missing money in your claim.
Getting Multiple Quotes
Multiple quotes help:
- Validate scope completeness
- Confirm market pricing
- Identify missing items
- Select the right contractor
Consistent differences between quotes and insurance estimates often indicate underpayment.
Xactimate vs. Non-Xactimate Quotes
Xactimate Quotes
- Same format as insurance estimates
- Direct line-by-line comparison
- More efficient supplement approval
Non-Xactimate Quotes
- Clear for homeowners
- Require carrier translation
- More room for dispute
Xactimate creates an apples-to-apples comparison.
Quote vs. Estimate vs. Contract
- Quote — contractor proposal (not binding)
- Estimate — usually the carrier’s damage assessment
- Contract — binding agreement for work
The quote leads to the contract — not the other way around.
Common Questions
My contractor’s quote is higher than insurance — what does that mean?
There are missing items or pricing differences that should be supplemented.
Should a quote match the insurance estimate exactly?
No — that often means the contractor didn’t perform an independent inspection.
Can the quote change during the job?
Yes — especially when concealed damage is discovered.
Do I have to use the carrier’s contractor?
No — you have the right to choose your own contractor.
How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Quote review — verifying completeness
- Estimate comparison — identifying gaps
- Supplement preparation — documenting missing items
- Market pricing support — justifying costs
- Pre-settlement verification — ensuring full funding
Related Glossary Terms
- Insurance Estimate
- Xactimate
- Scope of Loss
- Supplemental Claim
- Settlement
- Overhead and Profit (O&P)
- Concealed Damage
- Roofing Contractor Registration
- Workmanship Warranty
A contractor’s quote is not just a price — it is the document that exposes whether your insurance settlement actually covers the work required. The gap between your contractor’s quote and the insurance estimate is where additional claim value is found.
📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io