When the Insurance Adjuster's Estimate Is Too Low
The estimate arrived and it won't cover the work. You've had a contractor look at it and their number is much higher.
This is the most common situation in property insurance, and it's usually not a mistake. It's an opening position.
We're Insurance Claims Consultants. This page explains why estimates come in low and what actually moves them.
Call (864) 497-2151. First conversation is free.
Why It Came In Low
Rarely because someone is being dishonest. Usually for structural reasons:
- It was written from what was visible. The adjuster spent perhaps an hour at the property, without opening walls or lifting flooring. Damage inside the structure isn't in the estimate because nobody looked.
- Estimating software uses regional averages. It prices a generic repair, not your building, and it doesn't know that your materials are discontinued or your access is difficult.
- Cleaning was specified where replacement is needed. Particularly for insulation, ductwork, carpet and smoke-exposed contents.
- Code upgrades were left out. Repairing an older building often triggers current code requirements that weren't scoped.
- Depreciation was applied heavily, sometimes on a schedule that ignores the actual condition of what was lost.
- Related damage wasn't connected. Water damage from firefighting, smoke in rooms away from the fire, contents affected but not obviously ruined.
What Doesn't Work
Saying it feels too low. Without a competing scope, there's nothing for the carrier to respond to.
Sending a single-figure contractor quote. "£X to fix it" invites the reply that the carrier's estimate is itemised and yours isn't. It needs to be broken down by trade and line item to be compared at all.
Getting angry with the adjuster. They're generally working within a scope and a software output. The person who can change the number often isn't the person in front of you.
Accepting it and hoping to claim more later. Possible, but harder. Supplemental claims after a settlement face more resistance than getting the scope right first time.
Doing the repairs first and arguing afterwards. Once the damage is gone, so is the evidence for what it cost to put right.
What Actually Moves It
- Get the carrier's estimate in full, itemised. You're entitled to see how the number was built, not just the total.
- Read what's missing rather than what's wrong. Most disputes are about omitted line items rather than incorrect prices.
- Get a properly itemised contractor estimate — by trade, with quantities and unit costs, in a format that can be compared line against line.
- Document what the adjuster didn't see. Moisture readings, photographs inside cavities, specialist reports where needed.
- Put the difference in writing, item by item, with evidence attached to each point.
- Ask for a re-inspection where new information warrants it. Carriers frequently agree.
The pattern is consistent: specific, evidenced, line-level disagreement gets movement. General dissatisfaction doesn't.
If It Still Doesn't Move
Where the carrier accepts the loss and simply won't meet the number, most policies contain an appraisal clause written for exactly that. Each side appoints an appraiser, they select an umpire, and that panel determines value. It's binding on amount, faster than litigation and considerably cheaper.
Appraisal only resolves amount. If the argument has become about whether the loss is covered at all, that's a different route.
A complaint to your state insurance department costs nothing and requires the carrier to respond in writing to a regulator — North Carolina ncdoi.gov, South Carolina doi.sc.gov, Georgia oci.georgia.gov.
How We Help
When you hire us, we take the claim off your hands. We write our own scope rather than critiquing theirs, document what the first inspection missed, and put the difference to the carrier in the format they have to answer.
An estimate is an opening position. Positions move when they're met with evidence.
No hourly billing. No upfront cost.
Our fee is a percentage of what you recover.
We work for you, not for the insurance company.
Anywhere in North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia, call (864) 497-2151. Bring the estimate.
