How do I compare two Xactimate estimates?

Select the line items in each PDF, copy and paste them into the two boxes. The tool reads description, quantity, unit and price from each line, matches lines across the two estimates, and lists what is missing and what differs.

Is my estimate uploaded anywhere?

No. The comparison runs in your browser. Nothing leaves the page.

Why are some lines not matched?

Lines are matched by description and unit. If the carrier wrote a line differently (for example a different shingle description) it may show as missing on one side and extra on the other. Check those pairs by eye before sending the report.

Free tool · adjusters and contractors

Estimate Comparison

Paste the carrier's estimate and yours. See every line they left off, every quantity they cut, and the dollar gap, in one report.

Carrier's estimate5 lines readYour estimate8 lines read

Select the line items in the PDF, copy, paste. Each line needs a description, a quantity and a unit (SQ, SF, LF, EA…). The sample shows the format; replace it with yours. Nothing is uploaded.

Carrier total

$13,888

Your total

$18,129

Difference

$4,241

$3,611 in missing lines, $630 in changed lines.

Missing from the carrier's estimate (3)

Drip edge	212 LF	$3.15	$820.06
Asphalt starter - universal starter course	212 LF	$2.08	$541.49
Additional charge for steep roof - 7/12 - 9/12 slope	28.33 SQ	$66.17	$2,249.52

Quantity or price differs (1)

Line	Carrier	Ours	Δ
Laminated - comp. shingle rfg. - w/out felt	31 SQ @ $255.12	33 SQ @ $255.12	$630.39

Comparison report

Estimate comparison — carrier $13,887.65 vs. ours $18,129.11 (difference $4,241.46)

Lines missing from the carrier's estimate (3, $3,611.07):
  - Drip edge: 212 LF @ $3.15 = $820.06
  - Asphalt starter - universal starter course: 212 LF @ $2.08 = $541.49
  - Additional charge for steep roof - 7/12 - 9/12 slope: 28.33 SQ @ $66.17 = $2,249.52

Lines where quantity or unit price differs (1, $630.39):
  - Laminated - comp. shingle rfg. - w/out felt: carrier 31 SQ @ $255.12, ours 33 SQ @ $255.12 ($630.39)

Lines are matched by description and unit. Check any line the parser read wrongly before sending.

Where the money is in a comparison

Two places. Lines the carrier never wrote (drip edge, starter, steep charges, detach-and-reset) and lines it shortened (waste factor, squares, linear feet). The report separates them because they are argued differently: missing lines need a basis, cut quantities need a measurement.

Price differences have a third cause: the price list. Xactimate® prices by market and updates monthly, so a Houston roof priced on a Dallas list, or a Tampa job priced on last year's Miami list, shows a gap on every line. Check both estimates name the same market and month before arguing unit prices.

For the basis on each missing line, use the supplement builder. For roof quantities, the roof squares calculator. For an automated read of a carrier PDF, try Second Look.

Questions

How do I compare two Xactimate estimates?: Select the line items in each PDF, copy and paste them into the two boxes. The tool reads description, quantity, unit and price from each line, matches lines across the two estimates, and lists what is missing and what differs.
Is my estimate uploaded anywhere?: No. The comparison runs in your browser. Nothing leaves the page.
Why are some lines not matched?: Lines are matched by description and unit. If the carrier wrote a line differently (for example a different shingle description) it may show as missing on one side and extra on the other. Check those pairs by eye before sending the report.

Only have the carrier's estimate?

We write the full-scope estimate to compare it against, within 12 hours and free for the first one. Or upload it to Second Look for an instant review.

All tools on this page are informational and not legal or insurance advice. More free tools