The professional Xactimate estimating process uses special software to estimate property damage repairs. It uses standardized line-item codes, region-specific pricing data, and digital sketches in the software. Adjusters, contractors, and public adjusters use it to create itemized, substantiated cost estimates. It is common for almost all of the major insurance companies in the U.S. and Canada to employ it for property claims.

What Is Xactimate Estimating?

Xactware has built a property estimating software called Xactimate. It eliminated manual pricing books and manual calculators with a digital pricing system. A digital system standardizes the pricing of repair costs in the insurance and restoration field. The users draw the damaged structure and then use standardized codes for each repair job. For instance, replacement of drywall or removal of shingles. The software gets the latest regional labor and material rates. Then it produces a line-by-line breakdown of those costs. All of the below stakeholders share a common system; therefore, scope and pricing issues are easily resolved. 

• Carriers

• Adjusters

• Contractors

How Does Xactimate Software Calculate Repair Costs?

The Xactimate line item includes: 

• Code

• A unit of measurement (square foot, linear foot, or each)

• A quantity determined from the sketch or field measurements

This software will multiply the regional unit price and the number of items to obtain the total price. Estimates are kept up-to-date with pricing data on a regular basis.  This uses a zip code to align the prices with real market conditions instead of flat national averages. This is where Xactimate insurance estimating differs from a rough manual estimate. Each number carries a code and price source that can be documented. 

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How To Make A Quality Xactimate Estimate?

• Take pictures, measurements, and notes on the cause of loss.

• Using Xactimate's drawing tools, draw the structure.

• For each repair task in scope, assign line item coding of the problem.

• Use the regional pricing to get the correct local pricing.

• Check each individual line item for missing scope or quantity errors

• Prepare and deliver the report to the carrier/client.

Why Do Insurance Carriers And Contractors Depend On It?

Carriers' review and supplement processes are based on Xactimate data. So, estimates that are not in Xactimate cannot be easily reconciled. All parties are using the same codes and pricing tables. In this way, the approval process becomes fast and undisputed.

Key Takeaways

• It provides codes, sketches, and regional damage costs for property damage assessment standardization.

• Costs are based on three inputs: code, unit, and quantity.

• Repair cost calculations are up-to-date with regular price updates.

• A uniform process minimizes line items and claim delays.

• A uniform format is beneficial to the rapid approval process with carriers and contractors.

Conclusion

Accurate Xactimate estimating uses disciplined documentation, correct codes, and current regional pricing, not shortcuts. Teams that standardize this workflow submit fewer incomplete estimates and get quicker approvals. The landscaping estimating services team works with the same line-by-line care when estimating damage to exterior structures.