Claims & Disputes
Xactimate
Xactimate, developed by Verisk (formerly Xactware), is the dominant estimating tool in property insurance claims, used by insurers, independent adjusters, public adjusters, and contractors to price repair scopes.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Xactimate is a property damage estimating software platform developed by Xactware Solutions (a Verisk company) that has become the de facto industry standard for pricing and documenting property insurance claim repair scopes. The software uses a regularly updated database of localized material and labor costs—updated monthly at the zip-code level—to generate line-item estimates for virtually every type of property repair: roofing, framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing, painting, and more. Xactimate is used by the vast majority of US property insurers and their adjusters, as well as by thousands of contractors and public adjusters. Estimate files are generated in Xactimate's proprietary ESX format and are exchanged electronically between parties in the claims process. Critics argue that Xactimate's pricing database, which is updated and controlled by Verisk, may systematically undervalue certain repair costs in specific markets—a concern that has led to litigation in several states. Contractors and public adjusters regularly submit supplements to Xactimate-based estimates to capture costs the initial adjuster estimate omitted or undervalued. Understanding how to read, verify, and dispute an Xactimate estimate is a key skill for public adjusters, contractors, and policyholders who want to ensure fair claim settlements.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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