Published by Under Paid Claim LLC. Meet our public adjusters and check their licenses.
Reviewed by Cord Largo · Texas license #1862708 ·
Start with two separate records
The estimate describes damage and repair costs. The payment record explains money paid at a particular stage. A check smaller than an estimate does not, by itself, show that the insurer omitted damage. Read both documents together and identify the reason for each deduction.
Deductible
The deductible is the portion of a covered loss that remains your responsibility. Confirm the deductible applicable to this loss in your policy and payment breakdown. A deductible can affect the payment even when the insurer agrees that the damage is covered.
Depreciation and valuation
Actual cash value generally reflects depreciation. Replacement-cost coverage may allow an additional payment after applicable requirements are met. The policy and insurer’s explanation determine what documentation, repair conditions and deadlines apply. Do not assume all depreciation is recoverable.
Hypothetical example of an estimate and a check
This fictional arithmetic example is not a client result or an interpretation of your policy. Suppose an estimate lists $20,000 in replacement-cost repairs, $4,000 in depreciation and a $2,000 deductible. If the payment calculation subtracts those two amounts and no other adjustments apply, the initial payment would be $14,000. That difference alone would not establish missing damage. Whether any depreciation could later be paid depends on the coverage and requirements.
Compare like with like
Check dates, property areas, measurements, materials and repair items before comparing totals. Keep the insurer’s latest estimate and earlier versions. Separate a difference in estimated damage from additional money actually received. Coverage, limits and payment conditions can affect the result even when estimates differ.
Keep a line-by-line comparison separate from the payment ledger
For a scope concern, record the area, repair item, quantity in each estimate and supporting evidence. For the payment ledger, list each payment date and amount, the stated deductible and depreciation, and any other explained adjustment. Avoid subtracting a net check from a gross repair estimate and calling the difference an unpaid balance.
If a revised estimate includes an item already addressed in an earlier payment, reconcile the records before calculating a remaining concern. If wording is unclear, ask for the insurer’s written breakdown. Read our estimate comparison guidance.
What we review
We look at the available policy information, documented property damage, estimates and payment letters. If the records support the insurer’s calculation, we explain that. If supported damage appears absent or quantities differ, we can discuss whether public adjusting fits and what documentation would be needed.
For policy terminology and consumer guidance, see the Texas Department of Insurance home insurance guide. For a disagreement about an estimate, see TDI’s payment-dispute guidance.
Start with a free claim review
Our initial property inspection and claim review are free. If the records and inspection support the insurer’s payment, we will explain that finding at no cost to you. We do not assume every claim is underpaid.
Our fee is 10% of new money received, with no fee on payments received before you hire us and no additional expenses. If no new money is received, no fee is due. Representation begins through a written agreement.