How Insurance Documentation Works After Property Damage

Xactimate is the industry-standard software platform used by nearly all major insurance carriers to estimate property repair costs. It uses real-time regional labor and material pricing data, which means estimates produced in Xactimate are directly comparable to what the insurer's own adjuster will calculate. When your contractor submits a handwritten or spreadsheet estimate instead, adjusters frequently apply a heavy discount because the pricing methodology is unverified. Alta Property Services prepares all estimates in Xactimate format, which reduces disputes and speeds up claim approvals.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the damage and your carrier's internal workload. For straightforward claims — like a single-slope roof section damaged by hail — documentation can be completed and submitted within 5–7 business days. For larger losses involving structural damage, multiple trades, or code upgrades, allow 2–4 weeks for a complete Xactimate scope. Illinois law requires insurers to acknowledge a claim within 10 days and make a coverage decision within 45 days of receiving all required documentation.

Yes. Alta is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Illinois and maintains a current Certificate of Insurance that major carriers accept for direct billing arrangements. In practice, the insurer issues payment jointly to you and Alta, and we manage the disbursement process so you aren't required to front repair costs out-of-pocket before reimbursement. Specific direct-billing arrangements depend on your policy terms — we'll review the assignment of benefits language with you during the initial assessment.

Discrepancies between an insurer's initial estimate and our Xactimate scope are common and don't mean your claim is in trouble. Alta submits a formal supplement — a line-by-line comparison identifying omitted items, underpriced labor rates, or unaccounted code upgrades. Most supplements resolve through direct communication between Alta and your adjuster within 10–15 business days. If a significant dispute remains, you have the right to request appraisal under your policy, and we can provide the documentation needed to support that process.

Most standard Illinois homeowner's policies include an "Ordinance or Law" coverage endorsement that pays for required code upgrades when damaged components are being replaced. However, this coverage is often sub-limited (commonly 10%–25% of the dwelling coverage limit) and requires explicit documentation of which upgrades are code-mandated. Alta identifies all applicable code requirements — such as current energy codes for roof sheathing replacement or updated electrical standards for panel work — and includes them in the Xactimate scope so you receive the maximum ordinance or law benefit your policy allows.

Alta provides free initial damage assessments and free Xactimate estimates for properties throughout the Chicago metro area. There is no upfront cost to have us review your adjuster's estimate or prepare a supplemental scope. Our fee is built into the project cost when repairs are authorized — so you pay nothing for the documentation work itself unless we complete the restoration.