The Insurer's Estimate Is Lower Than My Contractor's Quote
The situation: My adjuster's estimate is thousands less than my roofer's quote. Do I have to accept it?
Quick Answer
Not necessarily. If the damage is worse than the adjuster thought, you or your contractor can ask the adjuster to raise the estimate, ideally with photos and a line-by-line comparison. If you still can't agree, many policies include an appraisal process, where each side hires an appraiser and an umpire settles differences.
Read to the end to complete this scenario.
On this page
What Happened
Hail damaged Grace's roof. The adjuster estimated $9,200. Her roofer quoted $13,500, including replacing damaged decking the adjuster hadn't seen. Grace sent the roofer's itemized quote and photos of the decking. The adjuster re-inspected and revised the estimate to $12,800. Had they still disagreed, her policy allowed appraisal.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Homeowners Insurance
Potential Coverages
Dwelling Coverage High likelihood
Roof damage from a covered peril falls under dwelling coverage, less the deductible.
Revised estimate High likelihood
Adjusters can raise estimates when shown additional damage.
Appraisal Possible likelihood
Many policies allow appraisal for disputes about the amount of loss.
Possible Exclusions
- Appraisal settles the amount of loss, not whether the policy covers the damage.
- Upgrades beyond the damaged materials are generally not covered.
Questions That Determine Coverage
- Does the contractor's quote include items the adjuster missed?
- Are the prices for materials and labor reasonable for your area?
- Does your policy have an appraisal clause?
- Is the roof settled at replacement cost or actual cash value?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Ask for the adjuster's estimate line by line.
- Ask your contractor to compare it item by item.
- Send photos of any damage the adjuster missed.
- Request a re-inspection.
- Ask about appraisal if you can't agree.
Documents to Collect
- Adjuster's estimate
- Contractor's itemized quote
- Photos of damage
- Correspondence with the adjuster
Common Claim Process
Start with the adjuster: share the contractor's itemized quote and evidence, and ask for a re-inspection. If you still disagree, your policy may allow appraisal. You can also contact your state insurance department.
Potential Outcomes
- Estimate revised after re-inspection.
- Appraisal settles the amount.
- Estimate stands if the differences are upgrades or not storm-related.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Get itemized quotes, not lump sums.
- Be present at the adjuster's inspection with your contractor if possible.
- Keep everything in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a public adjuster?
Yes, in most states. They charge a fee, often a percentage of the claim.
Does appraisal cost money?
Yes, each side generally pays its own appraiser and shares the umpire's cost.
Related Terms
Related Scenarios
Related Tools
Explore the rest of the Homeowners Insurance scenarios.
Browse Homeowners Insurance scenarios →Sources
The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- Home insurance guideTexas Department of Insurance
Educational information, not advice: This scenario describes how a loss like this commonly goes, not how your claim will be decided. Coverage depends on your policy's wording, limits and deductibles, your state, and the facts. Confirm specifics with your insurer.