Is your situation covered?
| Scenario | Typical verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Offer 20–30% below contractor estimate | Depends on wording | Normal opening — counter with itemized bid. |
| Adjuster's estimate omits code upgrades | Usually covered | Ordinance/law coverage should apply if endorsed. |
| Only partial roof approved when full is damaged | Depends on wording | Matching statutes in FL, IA, KY force full replacement. |
| Depreciation applied to labor | Depends on wording | Illegal in CA, KY, and several others — challenge it. |
| Adjuster refuses reinspection | Usually not | Invoke appraisal clause. |
General industry patterns. Your actual cover lives in your policy wording — PolicyPal reads it for you.
The short answer
First offers are opening positions. Most home claims settle for materially more once you (1) submit a licensed contractor's itemized estimate in Xactimate format, (2) document each damaged component with photos, (3) push back on depreciation of labor and non-matching materials, and (4) invoke the policy's appraisal clause if the insurer won't move.
What PolicyPal checks
Upload your policy and adjuster's estimate. We flag matching-material statutes in your state, whether labor was illegally depreciated, code upgrade coverage omissions, ALE/loss of use gaps, and the appraisal clause deadline.
Escalation ladder
Adjuster → Supervisor → Appraisal clause → State Department of Insurance complaint → Public adjuster (10–15% fee, worth it above $25K) → Attorney (contingency, worth it for bad faith or denial).
Frequently asked
- Should I sign the release?
- Never before funds clear and you've verified the total covers all line items you agreed to.
- Do public adjusters really help?
- On claims over $25K, average uplift is 30–50% net of their fee. Not worth it on small claims.
- Can I still negotiate after cashing the check?
- Yes if you endorsed 'without prejudice' or the check wasn't marked final. Most partial payments preserve your right to more.
- How long can this take?
- Simple counters resolve in 2–6 weeks. Appraisal takes 2–6 months. Litigation, 12–24.
Your policy is the only source of truth
Stop guessing. Check your actual policy.
Generic answers don't pay claims. PolicyPal reads your policy wording in seconds and tells you, in one sentence, whether you're covered.