Guides

In-depth articles on estimating workflows, supplement strategies, and getting the most out of Xactimate.


Xactimate Education-8 min read

Xactimate Pricing: Complete Breakdown (2026)

A practical breakdown of every Xactimate subscription tier, what each plan includes, who actually needs which level, and how to avoid paying for features you won't use.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-7 min read

Xactimate Free Trial and Getting Started Guide

How to access Xactimate, what trial and demo options exist, and a step-by-step guide to getting started with the software without wasting time or money on the wrong plan.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-10 min read

Xactimate Training: Best Courses, Certification and Free Resources

A breakdown of every major Xactimate training option - from free YouTube walkthroughs to multi-day certification prep courses. What each costs, what format works best, and how to pick the right one for your role.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-9 min read

Xactimate Line Item Cheat Sheet: Most Common Codes

The most-used Xactimate line item codes organized by trade, how the code system works, tips for finding items faster, and the codes you'll reach for on almost every claim.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-11 min read

Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claims: Step-by-Step Filing Guide

A contractor's step-by-step guide to filing storm damage roof insurance claims - from the initial inspection through final payment. Covers documentation, adjuster meetings, supplements, and common mistakes that cost you money.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-9 min read

RCV vs ACV: What Every Contractor Must Know

A plain-language breakdown of replacement cost value vs actual cash value - how each affects your client's payout, why it matters for supplements, and how to explain it to homeowners without the jargon.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-10 min read

Roof Insurance Claim Denied? Here is What to Do

Your client's roof insurance claim got denied. Here is why it happens, what your options are, and the step-by-step process for appealing, supplementing, or escalating to get the claim reconsidered.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-9 min read

How to Negotiate with Your Insurance Adjuster

Practical strategies for negotiating with insurance adjusters on roof claims - from reviewing the initial estimate to filing supplements and escalating disputes. Written by contractors, for contractors.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-10 min read

Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claims Guide

Everything contractors need to know about hail damage roof insurance claims - from identifying hail hits to documenting damage, meeting the adjuster, and getting the claim paid in full.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-10 min read

Insurance Claim Supplements: How to File and Win

A contractor's guide to filing insurance claim supplements that actually get approved. Covers when to supplement, what to include, how to write the Xactimate estimate, and common mistakes that get supplements denied.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-8 min read

Who Keeps the Recoverable Depreciation Check?

A contractor's guide to recoverable depreciation payments - who the check belongs to, how mortgage companies get involved, how to structure your contract so you get paid, and common scenarios that cause payment delays.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-8 min read

What Is an ESX File? Everything Restoration Pros Need to Know

A plain-English breakdown of what ESX files are, why they matter in insurance restoration, how to open them, and what to do when you get a PDF instead of one.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-9 min read

What Is a Public Adjuster? How They Help with Claims

What public adjusters actually do, how they differ from staff and independent adjusters, when to hire one, what they charge, and how they interact with Xactimate and the supplement process.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Insurance Claims-9 min read

O&P in Insurance Claims: Getting What You Are Owed

What overhead and profit is, when insurance carriers are required to pay it, the three-trade rule, how to fight O&P denials, and the line items where it matters most.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Industry Trends-10 min read

How AI Is Changing Construction Estimating

A practical look at where AI actually works in construction estimating today, where it falls short, how it applies to insurance restoration specifically, and what contractors should pay attention to.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-15 min read

PDF to ESX: The Complete Guide to Converting PDFs to Xactimate

The definitive guide to converting PDF insurance estimates into Xactimate ESX files. Covers every method, why ESX files matter, the manual vs. automated approach, and how to verify converted estimates.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-18 min read

The Complete Guide to Xactimate (2026)

Everything you need to know about Xactimate in one place. What it is, who uses it, how it works, pricing, Sketch, line items, supplements, XactAnalysis, and how it fits into the insurance claims process.

Matt Fruge-March 26, 2026
Xactimate Education-9 min read

Xactimate Certification: Levels, Cost & How to Get Certified

A contractor's honest breakdown of all 3 Xactimate certification levels, what each costs, how the exams actually work, and whether certification is worth your time and money.

Matt Fruge-March 15, 2026
Insurance Education-11 min read

Recoverable Depreciation Explained: A Contractor's Guide

What recoverable depreciation actually is, how it's calculated per line item, who gets the check, common mistakes that cost contractors thousands, and how to recover every dollar your client is owed.

Matt Fruge-March 15, 2026

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