Houston Insurance Estimate Questions, Answered
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Answered questions
Do I have to accept the adjuster’s estimate?
No. The adjuster’s estimate is the insurance company’s number for the damage they documented. You can get your own itemized estimate and share it with your insurer. I’m an independent estimator, not a public adjuster: I write the estimate, and you decide what to do with it.
Do I have to use the insurance company’s contractor?
Texas homeowners generally choose who repairs their home. Program or preferred contractors work under pricing arrangements with the carrier. Whoever you consider, compare the full written scope before you sign anything.
How do I know if my damage is over my deductible?
An itemized estimate of the repair gives you a number to compare against your deductible before you decide whether to file. I don’t give coverage advice; your policy and your insurer decide coverage.
What do first estimates commonly miss?
Common items to double-check are hidden water damage behind walls and under cabinets, matching materials when only part of a room is replaced, and debris removal or haul-off. Adjusters handle heavy caseloads, so a second look at the scope can help. You can upload the estimate for a free review.
Do you do the repairs or negotiate with my insurance company?
No. I write independent Xactimate estimates and documentation. I don’t do repairs myself (I can connect you with contractors I work with, and you can hire anyone), and I don’t negotiate with insurance companies or give legal or coverage advice. I can meet your adjuster on site as a paid add-on to go over the estimate.
What does an independent estimator do?
An independent estimator inspects the damaged property, measures and documents it, and writes an itemized repair estimate, usually in Xactimate. You decide who to share it with. The estimator does not handle or negotiate the claim.
Is an estimator the same as a public adjuster?
No. A public adjuster is licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to represent you and negotiate with the insurer. An independent estimator writes the estimate only. I’m an independent estimator, not a public adjuster.
Can a contractor use your Xactimate estimate?
Yes. The estimate is yours to share. A contractor can use the same line-item scope to bid or plan the work, so everyone is looking at the same rooms, materials and quantities.
Do you come out to the property?
Yes. Every estimate starts with an on-site walkthrough where I measure, take labeled photos and capture a Matterport 3D scan.
Why is my insurance claim taking so long?
Adjusters often carry heavy caseloads, especially after storms. Texas law sets general claim deadlines, which are extended after a weather-related catastrophe. While you wait, document the damage, keep a written log and consider having your own itemized estimate ready. Read more
Will Benny meet my adjuster?
Yes. It’s available as an add-on: I walk the property with your adjuster and go over the estimate’s scope, measurements and line items. I don’t negotiate the claim or discuss coverage, since in Texas that’s a licensed public adjuster’s role. The add-on is listed on the pricing page. Read more
Why doesn’t Benny negotiate with my insurance company?
Texas law reserves negotiating a claim on a homeowner’s behalf for licensed public adjusters. Instead, I write the estimate line by line with photos, code references and the math shown, so the adjuster can check each item. I’m glad to explain anything in it to you.
I’m an independent Xactimate estimator, not a public adjuster. I don’t negotiate with insurance companies, do repairs, or give legal or coverage advice.