When your home or business suffers damage, your insurance company sends out an adjuster to assess the repairs. While most adjusters do their best, estimates are often incomplete. If you don’t know what to look for, you could be left covering thousands of dollars in hidden costs.
Here are the top 5 things we frequently see missing from insurance estimates:
- Overhead & Profit – When multiple trades (roofing, painting, electrical, etc.) are involved, insurance should include overhead and profit for the general contractor. This is often left out.
- Building Code Upgrades – If local building codes require upgraded materials or methods, those costs should be included in your claim.
- Hidden Structural Damage – Damage beneath roofing, siding, or flooring often goes unseen in initial inspections.
- Replacement vs Repair Costs – Insurance companies sometimes approve cheaper “repairs” when full replacement is needed to restore your property.
- Specialty Labor Costs – Some trades require higher skill or certification. If your estimate uses generic labor rates, it may underestimate actual costs.
A missed item here or there may not seem like much, but together they can add up to thousands of dollars. That’s why it’s important to review your estimate carefully or have a professional do it for you.
At My Claim Appraisal, we specialize in catching these missed items and ensuring policyholders receive the settlement they deserve. If you think your insurance company left something out, contact us today for a detailed review.