How to Get Started with Supplementing: A Quick Guide for Roofing Contractors
If you're a contractor new to the world of supplementing roofing insurance claims, you may have questions about the process, the resources needed, and how you can get started. Supplementing can be a game-changer for your business, allowing you to recoup more money on roofing projects while providing the highest quality service to your customers.
Keep reading for our step-by-step guide on how to get started with supplementing roofing insurance claims. First, we’ll share some background information on supplementing and why it’s important.
What does supplementing a roofing claim mean?
Before diving into the process, it's important to clarify what supplementing means. In the context of roofing insurance claims, supplementing refers to the process of requesting additional funds from an insurance company when the initial claim does not cover all the required repairs or materials. It often involves submitting supporting documentation, photos, and estimates to adjusters to justify the need for these additional funds.
Supplementing is especially common in the roofing industry, where unexpected costs can arise due to hidden damage, code upgrades, or discrepancies in initial estimates. By properly supplementing a claim, contractors ensure they are paid fairly for the full scope of work completed.
Why is supplementing important?
Supplementing isn't just about squeezing a little extra money out of an insurance claim; it's about ensuring your business remains profitable while maintaining the integrity of the scope. Without supplementing, you may end up footing the bill for materials or labor that weren't part of the original estimate, cutting into your bottom line. Here's why you should take it seriously:
Protect Your Margins: Often, the original insurance estimate won’t cover unexpected costs, especially if the scope of work expands once the roof tear-off begins. Supplementing ensures you’re not losing money on a job.
Stay Code Compliant: Building codes change frequently, and code-required repairs or upgrades may not have been factored into the insurance adjuster's initial estimate. Supplementing allows you to make these adjustments without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Improve Customer Satisfaction: Homeowners are more likely to be satisfied when they know their contractor is working to get all necessary repairs covered by their insurance. Supplementing ensures that no corners are cut, and the job is done right.
Getting Started with Supplementing
Now that you understand the importance of supplementing, how do you actually get started? The process may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never handled a supplement before, but with the right tools and a solid approach, it is possible.
1. Determine How You Want to Supplement
The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to handle supplementing in-house, outsource it to a company, or hire a freelancer. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Internal Supplementing: You can train an employee to handle the supplementing process, but this requires a significant investment of time and resources. They'll need access to software like Xactimate, which is essential for creating accurate estimates and supplements. In addition to the software, your employee must be familiar with local building codes, as these vary from state to state and even county to county. Moreover, they’ll need strong communication skills to justify their supplements to insurance adjusters.
Freelance Supplementing: Hiring a freelance estimator can be a more flexible and cost-effective option. Freelancers usually bring their own tools and expertise, and they are generally more affordable than a full-time employee. However, the challenge here is ensuring that your freelancer is up to speed on the specific codes and regulations in your area. Additionally, freelancers may have varying levels of experience, and quality control can sometimes be an issue.
Outsourcing to a Supplement Company: Many roofing contractors find that outsourcing to a professional roofing supplement company is the most time-efficient and cost-effective solution. Companies like OneScope specialize in the supplement process and already have the necessary software, industry knowledge, and connections with insurance adjusters. By outsourcing, you avoid the need for additional training, software purchases, and time-consuming back-and-forth communication with the insurance company. We take care of the entire process for you, allowing you to focus on the actual roofing work.
Tip: Contractors who choose to outsource often experience quicker turnaround times on supplements, fewer errors in documentation, and more successful outcomes when working with insurance companies.
2. Get the Right Software: Xactimate
If you choose to handle supplementing internally or hire a freelancer, one of the first tools you’ll need is Xactimate. This estimating software is widely used in the insurance industry and allows contractors to create detailed estimates that include all necessary repairs, materials, and labor costs. Learning how to use Xactimate effectively is critical for preparing and submitting supplements.
While the software is incredibly powerful, there is a learning curve. If you or your team members are not yet familiar with Xactimate, be prepared to invest time in training. Many contractors opt for certification courses to ensure they are using the software to its full potential.
3. Stay Informed About Building Codes
Building codes differ depending on where you work, and they’re regularly updated. For example, a project in one county might require specific code upgrades that wouldn't be necessary in another area.
Contractors who manage their own supplements or work with freelancers need to make sure they are up to date with all relevant building codes in the states and counties they operate in. Failure to account for required code upgrades when submitting a supplement can result in having to eat the cost of the repairs yourself.
Outsourcing this part of the process can save you a lot of headaches. Supplementing companies typically have code experts who are familiar with the requirements in different jurisdictions and will ensure that all code-related repairs are properly documented and included in the supplement.
4. Develop a Communication Plan with the Insurance Adjuster
The supplementing process isn’t just about submitting a few documents and hoping for the best. Communicating effectively with the insurance adjuster is one of the most critical parts of the process. This is where having an experienced professional or company handle your supplements can really pay off. If you’re managing this internally, you or your team will need to:
Schedule regular follow-ups with the adjuster
Provide clear, detailed documentation, including photos and estimates
Be prepared to navigate disagreements and justify your requests for additional funds
Stay persistent, as adjusters may not always agree to the supplement on the first attempt
Communicating with insurance companies is time-consuming, and it can sometimes take weeks (or even months) to get a resolution. It’s important to set aside enough time in your schedule to handle this back-and-forth process. Again, outsourcing to a supplementing company can take this burden off your plate, as they will manage all communications on your behalf.
5. Allocate Time and Resources
Supplementing is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. It requires time and resources to be done correctly. Contractors who handle their own supplements must be prepared to dedicate time to every aspect of the process, from preparing detailed estimates to communicating with the insurance adjuster.
If you don’t have the bandwidth to manage this internally, outsourcing may be the best option. When you outsource, you can focus on what you do best—working on the roof—while a team of experts handles the supplement process for you.
Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Get Started
While some contractors prefer the control of handling supplements internally or with freelancers, outsourcing to a professional roofing supplement company is often the easiest and most efficient way to get started. Companies like ours take care of the entire supplementing process, from start to finish, ensuring that your supplements are submitted accurately and on time.
Not only does outsourcing save you the time and effort required to learn the supplementing process, but it also ensures that you’re getting the best possible outcome for each claim. With professionals handling your supplements, you can focus on delivering quality work to your clients without getting bogged down in paperwork, back and forth with insurance, and code research.
If you do choose to get started internally, remember:
Master Xactimate - consider taking a training or certification program to bring you up to speed quicker
Stay up to date on building codes - bookmark the states you work with frequently or set up alerts for changes
Develop a communication plan - set goals for how often you want to follow up with the insurance adjuster and stick to it
Allocate time and resources - block ample time on your calendar to review original estimates, work on supplements, and make calls to insurance companies (you’ll probably spend a lot of time on hold!)
By starting with the right approach—whether that’s internally, with a freelancer, or by outsourcing—you can make sure your roofing projects remain profitable, compliant, and customer-focused from day one.
Get Started with OneScope
Learn more about how our supplementing services can make a difference for your business.
