Common override patterns
- Line items marked "not noted in field photos" (even when present)
- Unit pricing adjusted to dated defaults
- Depreciation schedules applied more aggressively
- Code-upgrade items removed ("not specifically required")
- Matching scope reduced to patch-replace
- Overhead and profit removed
Why desk adjusters override
- Internal metrics incentivize scope-efficiency
- Reserve-adequacy concerns
- Standardization across claims
- Institutional bias toward conservative payment
How to challenge
- Request the Xactimate file with revision history
- Compare field scope vs. issued estimate line-by-line
- Cite specific items documented in photos or by contractor
- Re-submit with evidence supporting each removed line