The Insurance Claim Process
- 1
Document the damage
Take photos and video of all affected areas before any cleanup. Save receipts for emergency repairs.
- 2
Call your insurance carrier
Report the loss within 24–48 hours. Get a claim number and the assigned adjuster's contact info.
- 3
Call Estate Solutions
We dispatch within 60 minutes for emergency mitigation: water extraction, board-up, tarping.
- 4
Adjuster meeting
Our project manager meets your adjuster on site with a Xactimate-aligned scope so nothing gets missed.
- 5
Approval and reconstruction
Once approved, we rebuild — drywall, paint, flooring, finishes — and submit any needed supplements.
- 6
Final invoice and depreciation release
We invoice your carrier directly and submit completion photos so your recoverable depreciation is released.
Insurance Topics We Handle
24-Hour Damage Checklist
What to do in the first 24 hours after water, fire, or storm damage.
ACV vs RCV
Understanding actual cash value vs replacement cost value payouts.
Working With Adjusters
How to prepare for and navigate the adjuster meeting.
Supplements
Catching missed damage and getting it approved by your carrier.
Claim Denials & Appeals
When to push back and how to win a denied claim.
Public Adjuster vs Contractor
Which one you actually need — and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance company pay for restoration?
Most homeowner policies cover sudden, accidental damage from water, fire, or storms. Estate Solutions documents the loss with Xactimate and works directly with your adjuster to maximize your covered repairs.
What is a supplement and do I need one?
A supplement is an addendum to the original insurance estimate covering damage discovered after work begins. We prepare and submit supplements with photographic and code-based justification — most claims need at least one.
ACV vs RCV — what's the difference?
Actual Cash Value (ACV) reimburses depreciated value at time of loss. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays the full cost to replace, usually in two checks — initial ACV, then recoverable depreciation after the work is complete and invoiced.
What if my claim is denied?
Denied claims can often be reopened with proper documentation, an engineer's report, or a public adjuster. We help homeowners gather the evidence needed for a successful appeal.
Do I need a public adjuster or a contractor?
Public adjusters represent you in negotiations and take a percentage of the claim. A licensed restoration contractor like Estate Solutions can often achieve the same outcome at no extra cost by preparing accurate Xactimate scopes and supplements.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance recommends?
No. You have the legal right to choose your own licensed contractor in Georgia. Insurance companies can recommend preferred vendors, but they cannot require you to use them.
How can Estate Solutions help me document damage for the adjuster?
We conduct a thorough damage assessment and provide a written scope of work, moisture readings, photo documentation, and line-item estimates formatted to align with Xactimate — the industry-standard software most adjusters use.
What if my insurance adjuster's estimate is lower than the actual repair cost?
This is common and addressable. We work with you on the supplement process — submitting additional documentation and scope items the adjuster may have missed. We have experience negotiating supplements with major carriers including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, and Travelers.
How long does the insurance restoration process take?
Emergency mitigation (water extraction, drying) starts within 24–48 hours. Full restoration timelines vary — water damage rebuilds typically take 2–6 weeks; major storm or fire damage with structural work can run 2–4 months. We keep you updated at every stage.
What types of damage does Estate Solutions handle under an insurance claim?
Water damage mitigation and restoration, storm damage repair, fire and smoke damage cleanup and rebuild, roof repair and replacement, mold remediation, and contents pack-out and storage. We're a licensed general contractor — full scope, not just mitigation.
How do I get started?
Call Estate Solutions at 404-913-3030. We respond 24/7 and can be on-site for a damage assessment the same day in most Metro Atlanta service areas.