Understanding Xactimate

Xactimate is estimating software created by Xactware (a Verisk company) that helps restoration contractors and insurance adjusters create detailed, line-by-line estimates for property damage claims. It’s become the industry standard because it provides standardized pricing, professional formatting, and a common language between contractors and insurance companies.

The software includes tools to sketch floor plans, document damage with photos, and generate reports that show exactly what work needs to be done and what it should cost. Xactimate connects to regularly updated price databases that provide regional market pricing as a baseline, which you can adjust based on your actual costs.

Because most major property insurance carriers use Xactimate as their standard, learning the software helps contractors and adjusters speak the same language, reduce disputes, and process claims more efficiently.

Why Restoration Companies Learn Xactimate

For restoration contractors, knowing Xactimate isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for working efficiently with insurance claims:

🤝 Speak the Insurance Company’s Language

When you submit estimates in Xactimate format, adjusters can review them quickly because they’re already familiar with the layout and pricing structure. This speeds up approvals and reduces back-and-forth negotiations.

💰 Get Paid Faster

Insurance carriers process Xactimate estimates more quickly because the format is standardized and the pricing is from a recognized database. This means faster approvals and quicker payment cycles.

📋 Professional Documentation

Xactimate helps you create detailed, line-item estimates that clearly document the scope of work. This level of detail protects you if there are questions later about what was included in the original estimate.

🎯 Competitive Advantage

Many restoration companies require Xactimate proficiency before hiring. Being able to list this skill on your resume opens doors to better job opportunities and higher-paying positions.

Bottom line: restoration contractors who know Xactimate close more jobs, get paid faster, and spend less time negotiating with insurance companies.

Why Insurance Adjusters Learn Xactimate

For insurance adjusters, Xactimate is the primary tool for evaluating property damage claims:

📝 Industry Requirement

Most insurance carriers require their adjusters to be proficient in Xactimate. It’s not optional—it’s part of the job description. Whether you’re working for a carrier as a staff adjuster or as an independent adjuster in catastrophe response, you need to know this software.

⚡ Handle More Claims Efficiently

Xactimate’s built-in pricing database and standardized workflows let you process claims faster without sacrificing accuracy. During catastrophe assignments, this efficiency directly impacts your earning potential.

🎓 Certification Benefits

Xactimate proficiency is required for most adjusting certifications. Many states accept Xactimate training for continuing education credits toward your adjuster license.

💼 Career Mobility

Xactimate skills transfer between carriers and adjusting firms. If you change employers or move into catastrophe adjusting, you’re bringing a universally recognized skill with you.

Bottom line: if you want to work in property claims adjusting, you need to know Xactimate. It’s become almost as fundamental to the role as understanding policy coverage.