Services
Carrier Estimate
Second Look
A second look is a line-by-line review of the estimate your insurance carrier already sent you, checked against the actual scope of the roof, before you accept the payment or start the work. We do this review and tell you specifically what's missing or underpriced, so you know what you're actually owed before you sign off.
By Kyle Hamrick, Founder
Why a Second Look Matters Before You Accept a Carrier Estimate
The carrier's adjuster writes the first estimate, usually from a roof inspection that took less time than yours, using pricing and line items their own software suggested. That estimate is not wrong on purpose most of the time, but it is frequently incomplete. Adjusters write a lot of estimates across a lot of trades. Roofing-specific code requirements, manufacturer installation specs, and tear-off complexity get missed because the adjuster isn't a roofer.
Once you accept that estimate and cash the check, getting more money released later gets harder. It's not impossible, that's what our adjuster supplement writing service exists for, but it's a much easier conversation before the file is closed than after.
What We Check in a Second Look
Scope match
Does the estimate reflect what's actually on the roof: layers, decking condition, valleys, penetrations, flashing types. A generic estimate written to a generic roof type misses whatever is different about yours.
Code items
Local and state building codes require specific materials and methods (ice and water shield, drip edge, underlayment type, ventilation) that carriers frequently omit unless a contractor or estimator flags them by citation.
Manufacturer requirements
Shingle and underlayment manufacturers publish installation specifications that, if not followed, can void the warranty. Those requirements often carry a labor and material cost the first estimate didn't include.
Line-item pricing
Xactimate pricing varies by category and region. We check whether the line items used actually match the work being priced, not just whether a number appears next to a similar-sounding description.
Depreciation structure
If the estimate splits into ACV and RCV, we check whether the depreciation schedule and recoverable amount are documented clearly enough that you'll actually be able to collect the withheld portion later.
See our depreciation recovery service if that recovery step is what you need next.
How the Review Works
Send us the carrier's estimate (PDF or ESX file) along with your inspection photos through our free supplement intake. We compare it against the actual roof condition and return a written breakdown: what's missing, what's underpriced, and what a supplement would need to include to fix it. We do this look at no cost, because the honest answer is sometimes "this estimate is fine," and you deserve to know that too, not just get a sales pitch.
If the review turns up gaps, we tell you what a supplement would look like and what it would take to submit one. You decide from there whether to move forward with us or take the findings to your own team.
What We Need From You
The carrier's estimate document, your inspection photos, and any measurement report you have. If you haven't done a full inspection yet or aren't sure what to document, our roof claim inspection checklist walks through exactly what to capture so a second look (or a supplement, if one's needed) can be built on solid documentation.
Turnaround
Most second looks come back written same-day or next-day. Larger commercial files or claims with limited documentation may take 1-3 extra days while we track down what's missing. That is well ahead of the industry norm, where getting any kind of second opinion on a carrier estimate commonly takes 3 days or more, often longer once you factor in back-and-forth for missing paperwork.
Who Should Ask for a Second Look
Homeowners who received an estimate that feels low compared to what contractors are telling them the roof needs. Contractors bidding a job where the customer's carrier estimate doesn't cover the actual scope of work required. Public adjusters and agents who want a specialist's read on a file before advising a client. Anyone about to sign off on a settlement who wants one more set of eyes on the number before it's final.
This is also useful earlier than most people think to use it: before you've even started repairs. Once the first estimate is accepted and the funds disbursed, changing the number later means a formal supplement process. A second look before acceptance can sometimes resolve gaps with a simple carrier conversation instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a second look cost anything?
No. It's a no-cost review through our free supplement intake. If we find gaps and you want us to write and submit the supplement, that's a separate, clearly scoped next step you choose.
What if the estimate is actually correct?
We tell you that directly. Our job is to give you an honest read on the file, not manufacture a supplement where none is warranted.
Can this be done after I've already accepted the estimate?
Yes, though the process differs slightly. Once funds are disbursed, we typically move into a formal roofing supplements process rather than a pre-acceptance review, since the carrier treats it as reopening a settled item.
Do you work directly with my carrier?
Once you engage us for a supplement, yes, we submit and follow up directly with the adjuster or desk unit. The initial second look itself is just the review; we don't contact the carrier until you decide to move forward.
Send the carrier's estimate. We'll tell you what's missing.
No cost to look. Written same-day or next-day on most files.