Re-Inspection

Your Second Shot at the Right Scope

A re-inspection is a follow-up property visit triggered when the initial scope of loss is challenged through a supplement, and the outcome depends entirely on the quality of the contractor's documentation. Either the contractor or the carrier can request a re-inspection. When a supplement is filed, the carrier typically sends a re-inspector to verify the additional damage claims before approving payment. Re-inspections increase, decrease, or leave the scope unchanged depending on how well the supplement was prepared.

What Triggers a Re-Inspection

Not every supplement triggers a re-inspection, but most large ones do. Carriers typically send a re-inspector when the supplement adds significant dollar value, when the claimed damage differs substantially from the original scope, or when the adjuster's notes conflict with the contractor's documentation.

Supplement Size	Re-Inspection Likelihood	What to Expect
Under $1,000	Low - often desk-reviewed	Carrier may approve without site visit
$1,000-$5,000	Moderate	Desk review or single re-inspection
$5,000+	High	On-site re-inspection almost guaranteed
O&P dispute	Very high	Carrier wants to verify trade count

How to Win the Re-Inspection

The re-inspection is your chance to walk the property with the carrier's representative and justify every line item face to face. A well-documented supplement with photos, measurements, code citations, and manufacturer specifications usually survives re-inspection. A weak supplement - vague descriptions, missing photos, no code references - gets reduced or denied on the spot.

Be present for the re-inspection. Do not let the carrier's re-inspector walk the property alone. Have your Xactimate file open, your photos organized by line item, and your code citations printed. Point to the damage, reference the line item, and show the code requirement. Make it impossible to deny.

When the Re-Inspection Goes Against You

If the re-inspector reduces or denies your supplement, you still have options. Request the re-inspector's report in writing and compare it line by line against your estimate. If there are factual errors - wrong measurements, missed damage, incorrect material specifications - document them and escalate. The next step is typically another round of negotiation, or invoking the appraisal clause if the dispute cannot be resolved.

Re-inspections are also an opportunity to identify damage you missed in your own supplement. Walk the entire property again during the re-inspection. New damage may have appeared, or you may spot items you overlooked the first time. Add them to a revised supplement on the spot if possible.