A second look before a bigger step
Most owners first see their claim through the insurer's estimate: dozens of pages of codes, quantities and unit prices. It is easy to sense the number is too low and hard to say why. An estimate review turns that feeling into specifics you can act on, whether that means asking the adjuster for a supplement, demanding appraisal or simply accepting the offer with confidence.
What we check
| Area | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Scope | Rooms, elevations or roof slopes left out; missing tear-out, prep or cleanup |
| Quantities | Measurements that do not match the property; waste factors that are too low |
| Pricing | Unit costs that do not reflect your region or specialty trades such as slate or plaster |
| Depreciation | Rates applied to labor, overly aggressive age assumptions, holdback handling |
| Overhead and profit | Whether a general contractor's costs belong in a multi-trade repair |
| Code items | Required upgrades and whether the policy addresses them |
How the review works
- You send the documents: the insurer's estimate, photos, the policy declarations and any contractor bids.
- We study the file and, where it adds value, inspect the property.
- We write up the findings item by item, with an estimated dollar range for the gap.
- We talk it through with you, including whether appraisal seems worthwhile.
Our claim gap fee projector gives a rough sense of whether the difference justifies appraisal costs, and the claim terms glossary explains the jargon you will see in any estimate.
What a review is not
We are appraisers. A review does not negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, which in Pennsylvania is work for a licensed public adjuster, and it does not give legal advice. If coverage has been denied, or if the claim may end up in litigation, a Pennsylvania attorney is the right next call.
When to ask for one
The best time is soon after you receive the insurer's estimate and before you sign anything describing the payment as final. Reviews also help after a supplement is denied, or when an appraisal demand is on the table and you want to know how strong your position is. Keep the suit-limitation clause in your policy in mind; many Pennsylvania policies set one year from the date of loss. To see how an estimate review leads into the panel stage, read our overview of the appraisal process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an estimate review before demanding appraisal?
It is not required, but it helps. A review shows where the disagreement lies and roughly how large it is, which makes the appraisal decision easier.
Can you review my contractor's estimate as well?
Yes. Comparing the insurer's and contractor's estimates side by side often shows which differences are real and which come from scope or pricing assumptions.
Will the insurer accept your review?
Some adjusters revise their estimate after a well-supported review; others do not. If they will not, the review becomes a strong starting point for appraisal.