Guides
How claim paperwork works, from the people who write it. Process and documentation only — never coverage or claim-value advice.
The adjuster's estimate is too low: what to do, in order
Why adjuster estimates come in short, how to compare line by line, and the five steps from supplement to re-inspection to appraisal — for contractors and homeowners.
Contractors and homeownersHow to write a restoration supplement that gets approved
The structure desk adjusters approve: line items in the carrier's format, quantities with a source, a photo and justification per item, a cover letter. Worked example.
ContractorsRecoverable depreciation: why the first check is smaller than the estimate, and how to collect the rest
RCV, ACV and the holdback explained with the math, what releases the depreciation, the deadline to watch, and the final-invoice package contractors send to get it paid.
Contractors and homeownersWater mitigation vs restoration, and why Category 1, 2 and 3 change the estimate
Mitigation stops and dries; restoration rebuilds. Why they're two estimates, what IICRC S500 water categories and classes mean, and which line items each one justifies.
Contractors and homeownersPublic adjuster, contractor estimate, or insurance adjuster: who does what on a claim
Three people write numbers on a property claim and they work for three different parties. What each one does, what each costs, and which one your situation calls for.
HomeownersHomeowners claim denied or underpaid: the five steps, in order
Get the denial in writing, match it to the policy, re-document, re-inspect, then supplement, appraisal, public adjuster or attorney. What each step needs and takes.
HomeownersHow to shut off the water after a burst pipe: main valve, meter, water heater, fixtures and the breaker
Where the main water shutoff is, how to close it, the meter at the curb, the water heater, sink, toilet and washer valves, and when the breaker panel is safe to touch.
Homeowners