Why start with a review
An insurance claim estimate review gives you an independent read on the carrier’s numbers before you decide whether to request a supplement, invoke appraisal or accept the offer. Estimates are long, full of codes and easy to misread. A short, focused review can save you from spending money on a panel when the gap is small, or show you that a larger gap is worth pursuing.
What we check
Scope
Is every damaged area included? Are adjoining rooms, closets, stairways and exterior elevations accounted for? Older Massachusetts homes often have spaces, like enclosed porches and finished attics, that get left out.
Measurements
Do quantities match the property? Roof squares, wall square footage and flooring areas are common sources of error. The roof area and pitch converter helps with a quick roof check.
Pricing
Are unit prices current and appropriate for your area? Labor in Cambridge or on Martha’s Vineyard costs more than in many other parts of the state. Overhead and profit, sales tax and permit costs are also reviewed against your policy’s terms.
Depreciation
Is depreciation reasonable for the age and condition of each item? Is labor being depreciated where your policy or practice may not allow it? Ask an attorney about legal questions; we focus on the numbers.
Checklist: send us these
- The carrier’s full estimate, including all pages and any revisions.
- Your declarations page and relevant endorsements.
- Photos and video of the damage.
- Any contractor, roofer or mitigation estimates you have.
- Key letters and emails from the adjuster.
What a review is not
A review is not appraisal, and it does not bind anyone. We are not negotiating with the insurer on your behalf, and we are not giving legal advice. What we provide is a clear, independent picture of the numbers, so the next decision is yours and well informed. If you later invoke appraisal and choose us as your appraiser, the review work carries forward into that file, which can save time.
Reviews are useful for every common Massachusetts loss: ice dams, frozen pipes, wind and tree damage, hail and fire. They also help when you have received a revised estimate and want to know whether the changes are meaningful.
What happens next
If the review shows a modest gap, a well-documented supplement request may be all you need. If it shows a large, well-supported gap and coverage is not in dispute, appraisal may make sense; see appraisal representation. If coverage itself is the problem, a Massachusetts attorney is the right next call. The award gap estimator is a helpful companion for weighing that choice.
Common questions
Will the insurer accept your review?
A review is not binding on anyone. It gives you a clear, documented basis for a supplement request or for deciding whether to invoke appraisal.
Do you need to visit the property?
Some reviews can be done from photos and documents. Larger or more complex losses usually benefit from an inspection.
Can you review a contractor’s estimate too?
Yes. Comparing the carrier’s estimate with a contractor’s often shows exactly where the two disagree.