When your insurance adjuster hands you an estimate after a storm damage inspection, it can look like a comprehensive document. Pages of line items, codes, and dollar amounts. But experienced roofing contractors know that initial adjuster estimates routinely miss 15–30% of legitimate damage — and homeowners who don't know what to look for end up paying out of pocket for work that should have been covered.

Understanding the Xactimate Format

Most insurance companies use a software platform called Xactimate to generate estimates. It's an industry-standard tool, but it requires the adjuster to manually select every line item. If the adjuster misses a damaged component, it simply won't appear in the estimate — and you won't know it's missing unless you compare it against a contractor's scope of work.

Key Line Items to Check

1. Drip Edge

Drip edge is the metal flashing installed at the edges of your roof to direct water away from the fascia. Many adjuster estimates omit drip edge replacement entirely, even though building codes in most Midwest states require it to be replaced whenever shingles are replaced. This alone can be $300–$600 on a typical home.

2. Ice and Water Shield

Ice and water shield is a self-adhesive waterproofing membrane installed in vulnerable areas — eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. Building codes in cold-weather states (MN, WI, IA, IL, IN, OH) require it in these areas. If it's not in your estimate, ask why.

3. Starter Strip Shingles

Starter strips are a separate product installed at the eaves and rakes before the first course of shingles. They're required by GAF and Owens Corning for warranty compliance. Many estimates lump them in with regular shingles or omit them entirely.

4. Ridge Cap Shingles

The ridge cap — the shingles at the peak of your roof — is a separate product from field shingles and is priced differently. Some estimates use a lower per-unit price for ridge caps or calculate the quantity incorrectly.

5. Pipe Boot Flashing

Rubber pipe boots around plumbing vents deteriorate faster than shingles and should be replaced during a full roof replacement. They're often omitted from estimates despite being a legitimate replacement item.

6. Permit and Disposal Fees

Most municipalities require a permit for roof replacement. Disposal of old shingles (typically 2–4 tons for an average home) is a real cost. Both should appear in your estimate. If they don't, you may be expected to pay these costs separately.

RCV vs. ACV: The Most Important Policy Detail

Your policy either pays Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV). RCV pays the full cost to replace your roof with new materials. ACV deducts depreciation — so a 15-year-old roof might only get 40% of the replacement cost. Check your policy declarations page for 'Loss Settlement' to see which you have. If you have ACV coverage, you may want to discuss upgrading before the next storm season.