Why first offers understate
- Initial reserve conservative
- Adjuster authority capped
- Scope documented by field visit only
- Standardized pricing
- Hidden damage unassessed
- Matching scope limited
- Code upgrades not included
Red flags on first offers
- Short timeline to accept
- Release language required
- "Final" characterization
- Absence of line-item detail
- Well below contractor quotes
How to evaluate an offer
- Compare line-by-line to Xactimate rebuild
- Check for missing scope (rooms, systems, code)
- Verify pricing (current Florida)
- Check depreciation logic
- Verify law-and-ordinance included
- Review deductible application
- Check RCV holdback tracking
The accept / counter decision
Accept when
- Full scope documented and paid
- Reasonable pricing
- No significant gaps
- Release limited to known scope
Counter when
- Scope gaps identified
- Pricing below market
- Depreciation aggressive
- Code upgrades missing
- Matching scope limited
How to counter
- Written response with line-item detail
- Your Xactimate comparison
- Specific scope additions
- Statutory citation for matching / code
- Request specific amount adjustment