The industry-standard software insurance adjusters use to calculate the cost of your roof repair or replacement — and the estimate that determines your settlement before you ever speak to a contractor.
Table of Contents
- What Xactimate Is
- How Xactimate Calculates Your Estimate
- Common Xactimate Line Items
- Why Xactimate Estimates Are Often Incomplete
- How to Read a Xactimate Estimate
- Contractor Xactimate Estimates
- Common Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Related Glossary Terms
What Xactimate Is
Xactimate is the estimating software used by most insurance companies, adjusters, and many contractors to calculate the cost of repairing or replacing your roof.
It uses:
- Local pricing data (materials + labor)
- Standard installation methods
- Line-item cost structure
Your entire insurance settlement is based on what is entered into Xactimate.
How Xactimate Calculates Your Estimate
Xactimate builds estimates using individual line items:
- Tear-off labor
- Shingles
- Underlayment
- Flashing
- Ventilation
The final number depends on:
- Measurements (roof size, ridge, valleys, etc.)
- Pitch (steep roofs cost more)
- Material type (3-tab vs architectural)
- Waste factor
If the inputs are wrong or incomplete — the settlement is wrong.
Common Xactimate Line Items
A complete roof estimate should include:
- Tear-Off
- Decking (if needed)
- Underlayment
- Ice & Water Shield
- Drip Edge
- Starter Strip
- Field shingles
- Hip and ridge cap
- Pipe boots and penetrations
- Step Flashing
- Ventilation
- Overhead and Profit (O&P)
- Permit fees
If a line item isn’t in Xactimate — it doesn’t get paid.
Why Xactimate Estimates Are Often Incomplete
Desk Adjusting
Remote estimates using satellite imagery miss details.
Time Pressure
High claim volume leads to rushed inspections.
Default Settings
Incorrect materials or specs (felt vs synthetic, etc.).
Code Knowledge Gaps
Missing required items like drip edge or ventilation.
Missed Collateral Damage
Gutters, siding, and accessories not included.
Most initial estimates are incomplete — not malicious, just rushed or limited.
How to Read a Xactimate Estimate
Review your estimate for:
- Missing line items
- Incorrect measurements
- Wrong material specifications
- Missing O&P
- No permit fees
The gaps between your contractor’s scope and the Xactimate estimate are your supplement opportunities.
Contractor Xactimate Estimates
Many contractors also use Xactimate.
This matters because:
- Same format = easier comparison
- Line-item differences are clear
- Supplements are easier to approve
Xactimate is the language insurance companies speak.
Common Questions
Can I get a copy of my Xactimate estimate?
Yes — you are entitled to it.
Why is my contractor’s estimate higher?
Usually missing items, wrong specs, or outdated pricing.
Does Xactimate reflect real market pricing?
Sometimes — but it often lags behind actual costs.
What’s XactAnalysis?
A carrier-side system used to review and manage estimates.
How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Estimate review — identifying missing items
- Supplement preparation — adding line items
- Measurement verification — correcting errors
- Code upgrades — adding required items
- Pricing validation — ensuring accuracy
Related Glossary Terms
- Scope of Loss
- Insurance Estimate
- Supplemental Claim
- Overhead and Profit (O&P)
- Pitch
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Xactimate is the foundation of your insurance settlement — but it is only as accurate as what gets entered into it. Missing line items, incorrect measurements, and outdated pricing are some of the most common reasons homeowners are underpaid. Reviewing your estimate line-by-line before accepting a settlement is one of the most important steps in protecting your claim.
📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io