What Is Xactimate and How Does It Affect Restoration Costs?

Xactimate is a widely used estimating program in property damage work. It assigns a dollar value to each task, such as removing drywall, setting up air movers, or replacing baseboards. Pros input the measurements and damage details, and the software calculates a line-by-line cost.

Because the program uses a shared database of pricing, estimates from different pros tend to look similar. That consistency helps when your insurance company evaluates the claim. You can compare the line items to see exactly what work is planned and what each step costs.

• Breaks the job into individual tasks with prices
• Uses local labor and material rates
• Includes equipment rental and daily usage fees
• Allows for photos and notes on the report
• Produces a detailed document you can review

Most insurance companies rely on Xactimate to evaluate claims. When your adjuster assesses the damage, they often run the same measurements through the same software. That way, the pro's estimate and the insurer's calculation usually align, which can help the process move forward.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Even with a detailed Xactimate report, you may see differences if your policy excludes certain items or has coverage limits. Ask your adjuster to explain any gap between the estimate and what the policy allows.

A Xactimate report looks like a long list of tasks with prices. Each line includes a description, quantity, and unit cost. You don't need to memorize every code, but you should check that the measurements match what you see in your home.

If something seems off, ask the pro to walk you through it. They can show you where each number came from and why a particular task is needed. Understanding the report helps you feel confident about the work ahead and the costs involved.