You should have a qualified professional perform scope and estimate work for you - as the estimate work is a very important key component of the insurance claims process in Texas.
In many cases how a claim is handled early will dictate the outcome. The estimate for full restoration of damages will be a key component of this outcome.
Before discussing an estimate, one must first understand the estimate language of the carriers. This insurance comapny language is typically referred to as an Xactimate estimate. Xactimate is recognized across the entire industry as the gold standard of the estimate format. According to Uhelp.org, “Xactimate is a computer software system for estimating construction costs. Insurance company adjusters use it to calculate building damage, repair, and rebuilding costs. Adjusters use Xactimate to generate loss estimates and claim settlement offers.”
The insurance company has a duty to investigate the claim. The carrier’s adjuster should write a damage estimate via Xactimate. The Policyholder should also have their own independent Xactimate estimate completed by an industry professional. If you don't know one we can refer you to one. These two industry professionals are the only ones that can adjust a claim, other than the policyholder and the carrier’s adjuster - in the State of Texas. This is important when writing a comprehensive Xactimate estimate. As the estimate needs to include everything that is allowed under the policy, and the state law.
Many times, insurance carriers will ask the policyholder to send in three bids to repair the damage. This task sets the policyholder on a path of seeking the three cheapest bids. This is a common tactic used by the carriers to lessen their exposure after a loss. Note: Do not fall into this trap! The carriers know that often these cheap bids are not all encompassing, as far as what the policyholder is owed- under their policy, and the state law.
If an incomplete estimate is sent into the carrier prior to a policyholder attorney or public adjuster getting involved, it could severely handicap the full recovery process. Do not do this!
This is why it is important to consult with a reputable policyholder attorney when filing a claim, and especially if your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid.
The Voss Law Firm, P.C. has been protecting policyholder’s rights for the past sixteen years, recovering billions of dollars in settlements for our clients.
Feel free to call, or email today for a free consultation on your file.
We are 100% contingency fee based. No recovery, no fee.
Todd Farr- Director of Client Relations
