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.

Where this term matters

Claims Help Center →/claims/homeowners-insurance-claim →/claims/public-adjuster →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

Scope of LossThe scope of loss is the comprehensive inventory of all damaged items, affected areas, and required repairs that forms the foundation of a property insurance claim estimate.Supplement (Claim Supplement)A claim supplement is a follow-up to the original claim settlement that captures newly discovered damage, overlooked line items, or cost increases identified during the repair process.Public AdjusterA public adjuster works exclusively for the insured—not the insurance company—to document losses, interpret policy language, and maximize claim settlements.AdjusterA licensed professional who investigates and settles insurance claims for the insurer or for the policyholder.Independent AdjusterIndependent adjusters are self-employed or work for independent adjusting firms, hired by insurance companies to investigate and evaluate claims without being on the insurer's permanent payroll.
Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

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 June 2026

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