If you’ve never gone through an insurance claim before, it’s normal to feel uneasy — especially when you start hearing numbers, estimates, and unfamiliar terminology.
One of the biggest fears we hear from homeowners and property managers is simple:
“Is this going to cost more than my insurance will pay?”
The good news?
In most legitimate insurance claims, price is not the issue.
Here’s why — and how a tool called Xactimate helps protect you.
First, Let’s Acknowledge the Stress
Property damage is disruptive. Whether it’s water, fire, smoke, or mold, you’re already dealing with enough:
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Your home or building is damaged
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Daily routines are interrupted
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Tenants, boards, or family members have questions
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You’re worried about unexpected costs
On top of that, insurance can feel confusing and intimidating.
You’re not alone — and you’re not expected to be an expert.
What Is Xactimate?
Xactimate is the most widely used estimating software in the insurance restoration industry.
It’s used by:
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Insurance companies
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Independent adjusters
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Third-party administrators
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Reputable restoration contractors
Xactimate contains thousands of standardized line items for labor, materials, and equipment, all priced based on local market data and updated regularly.
In simple terms:
Xactimate sets the fair, local market rate for insurance restoration work.
How Xactimate Levels the Playing Field
This is where most people feel relief once they understand the process.
For You (The Insured)
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Prevents inflated or inconsistent pricing
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Creates transparency and accountability
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Reflects real-world, local costs
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Allows estimates to be reviewed and verified
You’re not relying on opinions — you’re relying on industry-standard data.
For the Restoration Contractor
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Creates a clear, defensible scope of work
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Aligns pricing with what insurers expect
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Reduces delays and disputes
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Keeps the focus on doing the job right
For the Insurance Carrier
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Creates consistency across claims
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Controls cost variability
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Makes claims review straightforward
Everyone is working from the same rulebook.
How the Process Typically Works
When you partner with a reputable restoration contractor, the process usually looks like this:
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Thorough damage assessment
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Clear scope of work is documented
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Estimate is written using Xactimate
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Contractor and adjuster review together
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Scope and pricing are agreed upon
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Restoration work begins — without surprises
Because pricing is standardized, discussions focus on scope, not inflated numbers.
Why Price Is Rarely the Real Problem
Seeing a large estimate can be intimidating, but it’s important to know:
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Insurance pricing is driven by Xactimate
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Contractors aren’t making up numbers
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Most disagreements come from missing or incomplete scope, not cost
When damage is properly identified and documented, pricing usually follows.
Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters Most
Not all contractors are the same.
Inexperienced or unethical contractors may:
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Miss hidden damage
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Under-scope work just to get started
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Struggle to justify necessary repairs
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Leave you stuck between them and your insurance company
A trusted restoration partner acts as your quarterback — coordinating the process, communicating clearly, and guiding you every step of the way.
Our Role at ServiceFirst Restoration
At ServiceFirst, we believe restoration should feel manageable — not overwhelming.
We:
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Put clients first
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Communicate proactively
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Bill ethically and transparently
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Navigate the insurance process on your behalf
You don’t need to become an insurance expert overnight.
That’s what we’re here for.
The Bottom Line
When you hire a reputable restoration contractor and the claim is legitimate:
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Pricing is standardized
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Costs are transparent
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The process is collaborative
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Xactimate keeps everyone aligned
The real decision isn’t about price — it’s about choosing a partner you can trust.
If you ever have questions about an insurance claim — before or after damage occurs — ServiceFirst Restoration is here to help.
Download white paper here – Xactimate & Insurance Estimates – A Plain English Guide
