Expert guides on roofing insurance supplements, Xactimate codes, and claim recovery strategies. 86+ deep-dive articles covering every major carrier, state law, and line item. Written by contractors, for contractors.
The definitive 15-chapter, 6,000+ word resource covering everything: Xactimate fundamentals, the 25 most-missed line items, carrier-specific patterns, state laws, ACV/RCV, O&P, denials, appraisal, and how to build a supplement workflow.
NewA field-ready process for getting reinspections approved: what evidence to send, what to say to desk adjusters, and how to escalate if the second inspection still underpays.
NewAuto-Owners runs on independent agents and an in-house adjuster culture. Here's where they pay fair, where they don't, and the matching and pricing patterns to watch in MI and OH.
NewChubb Masterpiece policies come with Cash Settlement options and dedicated claim specialists. Here's how to navigate upscale material scopes and matching on slate, metal, and synthetic roofs.
NewHartford's AARP-branded policies bring an older homeowner demographic and distinct claim rhythm. Here's the scope gaps, IA patterns, and how to communicate effectively with senior clients.
NewForemost (a Farmers subsidiary) specializes in manufactured homes, aged properties, and non-standard policies with heavy ACV-only tendencies. Here's how to work claims that most contractors walk away from.
NewThe Cedar Bluff matching decision, Minn. Stat. 325E.66, anti-waiver statutes, and how Minnesota's hail belt meets one of the most contractor-friendly matching jurisdictions in the country.
NewIowa Code 103A licensing, Nat'l Farmers v. Unified matching jurisprudence, Iowa Code 507B unfair practices, bad faith, and appraisal enforcement in a heavy hail market.
NewRSMo 407.725 residential roofing act, deductible anti-waiver, the vexatious refusal statute RSMo 375.420, and how Missouri matching case law changes supplement strategy.
NewK.S.A. 44-236 roofing registration act, K.S.A. 40-256 attorney fees, no-rebate K.S.A. 40-2004, and how Kansas hail belt realities meet no statutory matching rule.
NewORC 4740 licensing, ORC 3901.21 unfair practices, the Staff Builders bad faith standard, and matching case law that governs how Ohio carriers handle partial damage.
New225 ILCS 335 Roofing Industry Licensing Act, 215 ILCS 5/154.6 improper practices, Public Act 96-1000 contractor disclosures, and 215 ILCS 5/155 bad faith remedies.
NewT.C.A. 62-6 GC license threshold, TN Consumer Protection Act, the T.C.A. 56-7-134 deductible rebate statute, and T.C.A. 56-7-105 bad faith penalties.
NewAlabama Home Builders Licensure Board requirements, Ala. Code 27-12-24 unfair practices, Chavers v. National Security bad faith, and how Gulf Coast hurricane zones change the math.
NewState Farm, Allstate, Travelers, and Farmers are shifting to ACV-only roof endorsements. Here's how to identify them, how to close against the ACV gap, and why supplementing still matters.
NewDeductibles differ, some policies exclude one. Here's how to document each, verify storm dates via NOAA, and counter when the adjuster calls wind damage "wear and tear."
NewPercentage wind/hail deductibles can hit $10,000+ on a claim. Here's state-by-state anti-waiver law, how to calculate the deductible, and compliant ways to help homeowners afford it.
NewStall tactics, required documentation, timeline expectations, state prompt-pay statutes, and the escalation path from adjuster to supervisor to DOI complaint.
NewOpen valley with W-metal (RFG VALMTL) vs closed-cut reweave, LF math, unit pricing, and the manufacturer spec arguments that get valley metal added back into every estimate.
NewChimney flashing isn't one line item — it's three or four. Here's how to scope base flashing, step at chimney, counterflashing reglets, and cricket saddles (IRC R1003.20).
NewGTR DR (gutter detach and reset) is the line item that quietly adds $600-$1,200 to every claim. Here's the LF math, unit pricing, and hail-damaged R&R strategy.
NewFSC METAL aluminum fascia wrap and FSC 1x6/1x8 wood fascia R&R — when damage qualifies, LF math, unit pricing, and the photos that get it approved.
NewThe cosmetic damage exclusion is being weaponized to deny legitimate hail claims. Here's how to prove functional damage, document granule loss and mat bruising, and beat the denial.
NewCarriers hire HAAG, Rimkus, Donan, and Nelson Forensics to deny hail and wind claims. Here's what to look for in the report, how to rebut it, and when to retain your own engineer.
NewState-by-state matching statutes, the line-of-sight vs reasonable uniformity argument, and the supplement language that turns a two-slope approval into a full roof replacement.
NewDecking (RFG SHTHG) is one of the most commonly denied supplement items. Here's when it's owed, the IRC R803 code argument, and the photo documentation that gets it approved.
NewNationwide's Brand New Belongings endorsement vs roof schedule, their IA usage patterns, and the exact scope items they miss on wind and hail claims.
NewProgressive Home/ASI pays initial claims fast — then resists supplements. Here's the matching pattern, the tight scopes, and the escalation path that actually works.
NewAmFam DreamStar policies, aggressive roof age depreciation schedules, and the line items their IAs consistently skip. A practical guide for supplementing AmFam claims.
NewErie covers 12 states plus DC with mostly in-house adjusters. Here's where their pricing runs tight, the common missed items, and how ErieSecure roof surface endorsements change the math.
NewRFG SHTHG in 7/16, 1/2, and 5/8 variants — unit pricing, when decking is owed, photo documentation, and the IRC R803 code argument that unlocks sheathing supplements.
NewPipe jacks must be replaced with a new roof — rubber boots can't be reused. Here's the RFG VENTB pricing, lead vs rubber, and how to supplement the right jack count.
NewGAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning all require starter at eaves AND rakes for wind warranty coverage. Here's how to defeat "reuse starter" with the manufacturer spec argument.
NewD&R for satellite dishes, solar panels, antennas, and lightning rods. What you can charge, how adjusters miss it, and the simple supplement language that gets it added.
NewAllstate has a distinct pattern of scope items they routinely underpay on roof claims. Here's exactly what to look for, how their Quick Pay process shortcuts scope, and the escalation path that works.
NewUSAA has a reputation for fairness — but still short-scopes roof claims. Here are the specific line items they miss, how their preferred contractor network works, and when to push back.
NewFarmers is known for cosmetic-only denials on hail and tight scopes from pilot catastrophe IAs. Here's how to document damage to beat the denial and escalate effectively.
NewTravelers treats wind and hail differently, uses both in-house and IA adjusters, and loves deleting starter, drip edge, and pipe jacks. Here's how to catch every scope gap.
NewLiberty Mutual (and Safeco) run tight scopes through their MPC process. Here's where they short contractors on matching, how to structure the supplement, and when to trigger appraisal.
NewOklahoma's Roofing Contractor Registration Act, the Title 36-1219 anti-rebate law, and how the hail belt meets ACV endorsements. A practical guide for OK roofers.
NewGeorgia SB 132, O.C.G.A. 33-24-55 prompt pay, the bad faith statute, and why Georgia has no matching statute. A statute-by-statute breakdown for contractors.
NewNCGS 75-41 three-day rescission, NCGS 58-3-100 prompt pay, GC license thresholds, and how appraisal clauses are enforced in North Carolina.
NewThe RFG DRIP line item gets skipped on roughly one in three adjuster estimates. Here's the code requirement (IRC R905.2.8.5), LF math, and the supplement letter language that gets it approved.
NewIRC R905.1.2 requires ice barrier 2 ft past the exterior wall line in climate zones with a January mean under 25°F. Most adjusters only write valleys. Here's how to supplement the rest.
NewStep flashing must be replaced with a new roof, not detached and reset. Here's the LF math (sidewall + headwall), the code reference (IRC R903.2), and the supplement language that works.
NewWhen adjusters write 3-tab ridge cap on an architectural roof, your supplement is there. RFG RIDGC vs RFG RIDGH, matching requirements, and how to get high-profile approved.
NewInsurance adjusters use a second language designed to shrink your claim. Here's what "within tolerance," "cosmetic only," "wear and tear," and 20 other phrases actually mean — plus the exact counter-response for each.
NewA real claim that started at $9,847 and ended at $24,056 after one round of supplementing. Here's every line item that got added, the exact language I used, and how the carrier responded.
NewState Farm writes 1 in 5 homeowner policies in the US — and has a distinct pattern of scope items they routinely skip. Here's what roofers need to know to get every dollar out of a State Farm roof claim.
NewColorado's C.R.S. 10-4-110.8 is one of the most contractor-friendly matching laws in the country. Here's how it works, when it applies, and the exact supplement language that uses it to get full slope replacements.
ResourceThe definitive list of commonly missed Xactimate line items for roofing contractors. Organized by category with codes, descriptions, and typical recovery amounts.
GuideEverything you need to know about insurance supplements — what they are, how they work, how much they recover, and how to get started.
StrategyThe nine items consistently omitted from adjuster estimates — with Xactimate codes, dollar amounts, and exactly how to supplement each one.
GuideThe complete step-by-step process from documentation to submission to follow-up. Includes real supplement letter language and escalation tactics.
StrategyWhen carriers owe O&P, the three-trade rule, how to calculate it, and exactly how to fight back when it's withheld from your claim.
GuideA line-by-line breakdown of every section in a typical Xactimate roofing estimate — from header fields and category codes to depreciation columns and the summary page.
ResourceThree copy-paste supplement letter templates — standard line item supplement, O&P escalation, and carrier rebuttal — with the psychology behind the language.
ResourceA printable 25-point checklist covering measurements, line items, pricing, code compliance, and financial summary — organized by category for fast auditing.
StrategyThe real math on three paths — hiring a supplement company, doing it yourself, or using AI. Cost per claim, speed, and who keeps the money.
GuideCategory codes, price lists, waste factors, line item sequencing, and stale pricing — the five concepts that separate profitable roofers from underpaid ones.
ResourceHonest comparison of supplement companies, AI tools, and DIY Xactimate — with real cost math at 10, 25, 50, and 100 claims per year.
GuideThe difference between ACV and RCV payouts, how depreciation recovery works, and how supplements connect to getting the full amount released.
Strategy40 jobs × $3,500 missed = $140,000/year. The math on what chronic under-supplementing actually costs your business.
GuideWhich denial reasons are actually disputable, how to document for an appeal, and when a public adjuster is worth it.
StrategyMost roofers have 15-30% of revenue tied up in uncollected supplements. Here's the math and how to fix it.
ResourceIce & water shield, drip edge, ridge vent, synthetic underlayment — the IRC-required items adjusters leave out and how to get them approved.
GuideStorm-specific documentation guide — shadow angle photography, impact measurements, scattered vs. concentrated damage, and the Xactimate line items adjusters miss on hail claims.
GuideWind speed thresholds, edge damage, flashing failures, wind-driven rain penetration — why wind claims are the most disputed and how to win them.
StrategyXactimate admits its prices are historical baselines. Regional variations hit 50-100%. Here's why your estimates are low and how to fight back with real-world pricing.
GuideMost contractors don't know the appraisal clause exists. It can recover $10K-$50K+. Step-by-step process, appraiser selection, and how to build a winning evidence package.
StrategyThe 7 most common rejection reasons with real examples — documentation gaps, scope disputes, pricing issues — plus appeal frameworks that get reversals.
StrategyAdjusters spend 20-30 minutes on your roof. You spend 2 hours. That time gap is where money gets left on the table. Here's how to find it and get it back.
GuideHurricane claims are the most complex and the most rushed. High deductibles, catastrophe adjusters, FEMA involvement, and massive supplement opportunities.
StrategyPAs charge 10-15% of your settlement. Is it worth it? The real math, state-by-state UPPA laws, and when contractor-led supplementing wins.
GuideInsurance checks held in escrow kill your cash flow. How escrow works, release triggers, holdback percentages, and how to get your money faster.
ResourceFlorida's the biggest insurance restoration market with the most complex rules. SB 4-D, hurricane deductibles, carrier practices, and supplement strategies.
ResourceTexas deductible waiver prohibition, UPPA boundaries, city-specific requirements, and what you can and can't do on insurance claims.
GuideWhy the check is split, the two-check system, proof of completion requirements, and how to challenge inflated depreciation calculations.
StrategyYou pay subs and buy materials upfront. Insurance pays 30-90 days later. Here's the cash flow math and how to survive (and thrive) during storm season.
StrategyDoor knocking, insurance partnerships, and digital lead gen compared. Conversion rates, costs per lead, legal considerations, and team structure for peak season.
ResourceCode upgrades are covered by insurance but rarely claimed — sometimes $5K-$25K+ per job. Which upgrades qualify, how to document them, and how to get them approved.
More posts coming every week. Want to see what you're missing on your claims?
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