Is It Worth Filing a Claim? Get a Houston Repair Estimate First
Before you decide whether to file a home insurance claim, it helps to know what the repair actually involves. I’m Benny Mancillas, an independent estimator in Houston. I walk your home, measure the damage and write a detailed, line-by-line repair estimate you can compare with your deductible.
Get a detailed repair estimate first
A roof leak, a burst pipe or storm damage can look small or big, and it’s hard to tell from the outside. A detailed estimate lists each room, the materials and the repair steps, so you can compare the repair with your deductible before deciding whether to file.
I come to your home, measure the damage and document it with labeled photos and a Matterport 3D scan. The estimate is yours to keep, whether or not you file.
You and your agent decide
Whether to file a claim is your decision, made with your insurance agent. I don’t give coverage advice, I don’t file claims, and I can’t promise what a claim will pay. I’m an independent estimator, not a public adjuster.
Already have the adjuster’s estimate?
Send me the adjuster’s estimate and your photos. I’ll look it over for free and tell you what may be missing. A full written estimate is the paid service. See how pricing works.
Do I have to accept the adjuster’s estimate?
No. The adjuster’s estimate is the insurance company’s figure for the repair, not the final word. You can get your own independent repair estimate and share it with your insurance company or your contractor.
This isn’t legal advice. I’m not a public adjuster, and I don’t negotiate with your insurance company or represent you. If you want someone to represent you on the claim, you can contact a licensed public adjuster or an attorney.
Why adjuster estimates miss things
Adjusters often carry heavy caseloads, especially after big storms, and may have limited time at each property. Hidden water damage, matching materials, contents, code-required items, demolition and haul-off, and drying-related repairs are easy to miss. The adjuster works for the insurance company; an independent estimate documents the full repair scope for you. More on second opinions.
Pricing and service area
Fees are all on one page. See how pricing works. I’m based in the Webster and Clear Lake area and serve greater Houston; see the service area. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central. Spanish is available.
Questions about filing
Is my damage worth filing a claim?
That’s your decision to make with your insurance agent. A detailed repair estimate gives you a clear picture of the repair so you can compare it with your deductible before you decide.
What if the damage is less than my deductible?
A repair estimate helps you see where the repair stands compared with your deductible. Whether to file is up to you and your agent; I don’t give coverage advice.
Will my deductible cover the repairs?
Your deductible is the part you pay, and your policy decides the rest. I can tell you what the repair involves; your agent or insurance company can explain your coverage.
I already have the adjuster’s estimate. Can you look at it?
Yes. Send me the adjuster’s estimate and your photos. I’ll look it over for free and tell you what may be missing.
Do I have to accept the adjuster’s estimate?
No. The adjuster’s estimate is the insurance company’s figure, not the final word. You can get your own independent repair estimate and share it with your insurer or contractor. This isn’t legal advice; if you want representation, contact a licensed public adjuster or an attorney.
Are you a public adjuster?
No. I’m an independent estimator. I don’t file claims, negotiate with insurance companies, give coverage advice or promise what a claim will pay.
How much does an estimate cost?
Fees are explained on one page. See how pricing works.
Get your estimate
Call or text Benny Mancillas with the address and what happened. You can also send an inquiry.
Free review of your carrier or adjuster estimate
Upload the estimate you received and I’ll look it over for free and tell you what might be missing. A full written Xactimate estimate is a separate, paid service.