What Is An Insurance Supplement? Roofing Contractor Guide!
Understanding Insurance Supplements: A Must-Know for Roofing Contractors
Insurance supplements are an essential part of the claims process that every roofing contractor should understand. When an insurance adjuster initially assesses a property after storm damage, their estimate often does not cover everything required to restore the home properly. This is where supplements come in—helping contractors secure the necessary funds to complete repairs according to code and industry standards.
What is an Insurance Supplement?
An insurance supplement is an additional estimate submitted to the insurance company requesting more funds to cover necessary repairs that were missing from the adjuster’s initial assessment. Many adjusters lack the construction knowledge to include critical components in their reports, leading to underpaid claims. It’s up to contractors to identify these missing items and submit a supplement to ensure the homeowner gets the full coverage they are entitled to.
Why Are Insurance Supplements Necessary?
Adjusters Miss Required Repairs – Adjusters often write minimal estimates, omitting critical repairs such as:
Ice & water shield under shingles (required by code in many regions)
House wrap behind siding
Proper metal flashing replacements
Hidden Damage Discovered During Repairs – Some damage isn’t visible during the initial inspection. Examples include:
Rotted roof decking found after shingles are removed
Water-damaged insulation or structural components hidden behind walls
Building Code Requirements – Many insurance estimates do not account for updated building codes. Contractors must ensure:
Proper flashing and drip edge installation
Nail type and placement meet local regulations
Ventilation upgrades to comply with modern codes
Additional Work Required for Proper Repairs – Certain components must be detached and reset or replaced when performing roofing or siding work, including:
Power attic fans
Satellite dishes
Exterior light fixtures
How Contractors Should Handle Supplements
A successful supplement requires documentation and a detailed understanding of construction requirements. Contractors should:
Review the adjuster’s estimate carefully to identify missing items
Document all damage with photos before and during the repair process
Reference local building codes and permit requirements
Submit a detailed estimate with supporting evidence to justify additional costs
The Importance of Contractor Involvement
Homeowners often assume their insurance payout is final, but contractors must educate them on their right to a supplement. Adjusters can only approve what they see, which means contractors must advocate for the homeowner by presenting a detailed and well-supported supplement request.
How AI is Helping Contractors Get Paid for Their Work
Submitting and negotiating supplements can be time-consuming, but technology is changing the game. Many contractors are now using XBuild’s AI to generate detailed Xactimate estimates that ensure they’re getting paid for every piece of work required to complete the job correctly.
With AI-generated estimates, contractors can:
✅ Identify missing line items that adjusters overlooked
✅ Ensure building codes and material costs are factored in
✅ Submit stronger, more detailed supplements with labeled photos and weather data
✅ Save time and effort compared to manually writing reports
Storm season is already busy—contractors using XBuild’s AI are eliminating guesswork and increasing approvals on their claims faster than ever. If you’re not supplementing correctly, you’re leaving money on the table. Try XBuild today and see how AI can help you get paid what you’re owed!
Visit X.Build To try the AI for free!
