- Drip edge
- Required by the IRC since 2012
- Estimating software
- Xactimate (Verisk) dominates
- O&P
- "10 and 10" is convention, not law
What is a supplement?
Adjusters write the first estimate quickly, often before the roof is torn off. A supplement asks the carrier to revise it. Florida law defines a supplemental claim as one for additional loss or damage from the same peril the insurer already adjusted, or for additional costs incurred while completing repairs. Elsewhere the term is industry practice; the request goes through the same claim.
Which line items are most often supplemented?
| Item | Why it is often missing | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Drip edge | Not on the original roof or not counted | Required at eaves and rakes of shingle roofs since the 2012 IRC (R905.2.8.5) |
| Ice and water barrier | Omitted at eaves or valleys | Required where the jurisdiction designates it in IRC Table R301.2(1) (R905.1.2) |
| Starter strip | Treated as included in field shingles | Manufacturer installation instructions |
| Waste factor | Too low for hips, valleys and cut-ups | Measured roof geometry |
| Steep and high-roof charges | Pitch or stories not reflected | Measured pitch and height |
| Code upgrades | Original roof predates current code | The jurisdiction's adopted code and amendments |
| Flashing, vents, accessories | Not itemized | Inspection photos |
| Overhead and profit (O&P) | Not included when a general contractor is needed | Industry convention (commonly 10% and 10%); not set by law |
Code requirements vary by jurisdiction. Hail Pro tracks adopted codes and roofing requirements such as ice barrier, drip edge and wind ratings by jurisdiction; see roof permits.
How do you write a supplement that gets approved?
- Compare the carrier estimate line by line with a measurement report and the actual scope.
- For each missing or short item, cite the measurement, the photo and, for code items, the code section and the jurisdiction's adopted edition.
- Use the same estimating format the carrier uses. Most insurers and restoration contractors price claims in Xactimate (Verisk).
- Submit through the claim, keep a record of each request and response, and follow up on open items.
Hail Pro's supplement workspace brings the carrier estimate, roof report and field photos together and highlights quantity differences for a person to review. Access is by request.
Frequently asked questions
Is supplementing a roof claim legal?
Yes. Asking the insurer to pay for documented, missed items is a normal part of claims. What some states prohibit is contractors acting as unlicensed public adjusters or waiving deductibles.
Who submits the supplement?
Usually the contractor prepares it with the homeowner's authorization and submits it through the claim, or the homeowner submits it. Policies and state rules on who may negotiate a claim vary.
Does Xactimate set roofing prices?
Xactimate publishes regional price data that insurers and contractors use to build estimates. Its market share is not public, but it is the dominant platform.