Do I Need an Independent Estimate for My Insurance Claim in Texas?
Short answer: no. Texas doesn’t require one, and many claims settle on the insurance company’s estimate. But there are times when your own estimate helps you understand the repair. I’m Benny Mancillas, an independent Xactimate estimator in Houston, and here’s my honest take.
When you probably don’t need one
The damage is small and clearly under your deductible. The adjuster’s estimate matches what your contractor quoted. Or your contractor already writes in Xactimate and walked the job thoroughly.
When an independent estimate can help
The adjuster’s estimate is well below your contractor’s quote and you can’t tell why. Rooms, materials or steps seem to be missing. Your contractor doesn’t write in Xactimate and the adjuster asked for it. The damage is large, like a flood, fire or tree through the roof, and you want a detailed record. Or you’re deciding whether to file and want to know what the repair really involves first.
What an independent estimate is, and isn’t
It’s a documented, line-by-line repair scope, in my case written in Xactimate with photos, a sketch and a Matterport scan. It is not a guarantee of payment, a coverage opinion or representation. In Texas, someone who negotiates your claim for you has to be a licensed public adjuster or an attorney. I’m an independent estimator, not a public adjuster or insurance adjuster. I don’t negotiate with insurance companies, interpret coverage or promise what a claim will pay. I document the damage and write the repair scope.
Other options Texas gives you
The Texas Department of Insurance explains that you can submit your own estimates, ask for a re-inspection, use your policy’s appraisal clause for disputes about the amount of loss, file a complaint with TDI, or hire a public adjuster or attorney. An independent estimate can support any of those paths; it doesn’t replace them.
Start with a free look
If you already have the adjuster’s estimate, send it with your photos. I’ll look it over for free and tell you whether a full estimate is likely to be useful.
Where I work
Houston and the surrounding metro. See the full service area. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central. Spanish is available. Visits take place at the property. Fees are on one page: see pricing.
Common questions
Is an independent estimate required by Texas law?
No. It’s optional.
Will my insurer accept your estimate?
Insurers review the documentation you send. I can’t promise how they’ll respond.
Is an independent estimator the same as an appraiser?
No. An appraiser is part of the policy’s appraisal process. See estimator vs public adjuster vs appraiser.
How much does an estimate cost?
Fees are explained on one page. See how pricing works.
Call or text Benny
Call or text Benny Mancillas with the property address and what happened. You can also send an inquiry.