When you’re knee-deep in dealing with property damage or navigating a roof insurance claim assistance process, the last thing you need is to second-guess the person handling your estimate. That’s where certified estimators come in. But just because someone flashes a certificate doesn’t mean they’re legit. You’ve got to dig a little deeper to make sure they’re the real deal.
Here’s how you can do that—without breaking a sweat.
Don’t Just Take Their Word for It
Let’s be honest. Anyone can say they’re certified. The first step? Ask for proof. A real certified Xactimate estimator should be able to show you documentation of their certification. Better yet, they should be happy to do it. If they hesitate or make excuses, consider it a red flag.
Check the Certification Source
Not all certificates are created equal. Make sure their training came from a recognized provider. If the name of the certifying body sounds shady or unfamiliar, look it up. Do a quick search online. You’d be surprised how many sketchy outfits are out there handing out paper like candy.
Get a Feel for Their Experience
A certificate is great, but experience is gold. Ask them how long they’ve been using Xactimate. Have they handled jobs similar to yours? How many estimates have they completed? The more experience they have with roof insurance claim assistance, the better. You don’t want someone learning the ropes on your dime.
Ask for References—Seriously
This one’s a no-brainer. A trustworthy estimator should have a list of past clients who can vouch for their work. Make a few calls. Ask about timeliness, accuracy, and whether the estimator helped speed up the claim process. Real feedback from real people can tell you way more than any certificate ever will.
Google Them Like a Pro
Type in their name plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” See what comes up. Social media, business forums, and local review sites can give you a clear picture of their reputation. If people have had bad experiences, you’ll likely find out with just a few clicks.
Test Their Knowledge
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Throw them a few curveballs. A real certified Xactimate estimator will know how to break down an estimate, explain line items, and talk you through how insurance companies interpret claims. If they sound unsure or give vague answers, that’s not a good sign.
Communication Is Key
Pay attention to how they talk to you. Are they professional? Do they explain things clearly? Good communication is crucial when you’re dealing with roof insurance claim assistance. If you can’t understand them—or worse, if they don’t return your calls—that’s a problem waiting to happen.
Hiring certified Xactimate estimators can be a game-changer when you need solid insurance claim assistance. But certification alone isn’t enough. You’ve got to verify their credibility, ask the right questions, and pay attention to the details. The more legwork you do upfront, the fewer headaches you’ll have later.
Take your time. Do your homework. And don’t settle for less than someone you can really trust.
