# Guides In-depth articles on estimating workflows, supplement strategies, and getting the most out of Xactimate. * * * [Product Updates-6 min read](/content/resources/blog/direct-esx-downloads-batch-processing-flat-rate-pricing/index.html) **Introducing Direct ESX Downloads, Batch Processing, and Flat Rate Pricing** Direct ESX file downloads, batch uploads for Pro, live processing view, missing line item flags, and one flat price per export. Plus a free claim credit on every account. [Insurance Claims-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/wind-damage-roof-insurance-claim/index.html) **Wind Damage Roof Insurance Claim Guide** How to file and manage a wind damage roof insurance claim. Covers documentation, what adjusters look for, common disputes, and how to supplement for missed damage. [Xactimate Education-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/xactimate-line-item-cheat-sheet/index.html) **Xactimate Line Item Cheat Sheet: Most Common Codes** The most-used Xactimate line item codes organized by trade, how the code system works, tips for finding items faster, and the codes you'll reach for on almost every claim. [Xactimate Education-18 min read](/content/resources/blog/complete-guide-xactimate/index.html) **The Complete Guide to Xactimate (2026)** Everything you need to know about Xactimate in one place. What it is, who uses it, how it works, pricing, Sketch, line items, supplements, XactAnalysis, and how it fits into the insurance claims process. [Insurance Claims-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/hail-damage-roof-repair-cost/index.html) **Hail Damage Roof Repair Cost** What hail damage roof repairs and replacements cost, what factors drive the price, and how insurance claim payments work for hail damage. [Insurance Claims-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/who-keeps-recoverable-depreciation-check/index.html) **Who Keeps the Recoverable Depreciation Check?** A contractor's guide to recoverable depreciation payments - who the check belongs to, how mortgage companies get involved, how to structure your contract so you get paid, and common scenarios that cause payment delays. [Xactimate Education-10 min read](/content/resources/blog/xactimate-training/index.html) **Xactimate Training: Best Courses, Certification and Free Resources** A breakdown of every major Xactimate training option - from free YouTube walkthroughs to multi-day certification prep courses. What each costs, what format works best, and how to pick the right one for your role. [Xactimate Education-15 min read](/content/resources/blog/pdf-to-esx-guide/index.html) **PDF to ESX: The Complete Guide to Converting PDFs to Xactimate** The definitive guide to converting PDF insurance estimates into Xactimate ESX files. Covers every method, why ESX files matter, the manual vs. automated approach, and how to verify converted estimates. [Insurance Claims-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/roof-inspection-for-insurance-claim/index.html) **Roof Inspection for Insurance Claim: What to Expect** What happens during a roof inspection for an insurance claim. How to prepare, what the adjuster evaluates, and how to ensure nothing gets missed. [Insurance Claims-10 min read](/content/resources/blog/insurance-claim-supplements/index.html) **Insurance Claim Supplements: How to File and Win** A contractor's guide to filing insurance claim supplements that actually get approved. Covers when to supplement, what to include, how to write the Xactimate estimate, and common mistakes that get supplements denied. [Xactimate Education-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/xactimate-free-trial/index.html) **Xactimate Free Trial and Getting Started Guide** How to access Xactimate, what trial and demo options exist, and a step-by-step guide to getting started with the software without wasting time or money on the wrong plan. [Insurance Claims-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/storm-damage-roof-insurance-claim/index.html) **Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim: Filing Guide** How to file a storm damage roof insurance claim from initial documentation through final payment. Covers wind, hail, and fallen debris claims with step-by-step instructions. [Industry Trends-10 min read](/content/resources/blog/ai-construction-estimating/index.html) **How AI Is Changing Construction Estimating** A practical look at where AI actually works in construction estimating today, where it falls short, how it applies to insurance restoration specifically, and what contractors should pay attention to. [Insurance Claims-10 min read](/content/resources/blog/hail-damage-roof-insurance-claims/index.html) **Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claims Guide** Everything contractors need to know about hail damage roof insurance claims - from identifying hail hits to documenting damage, meeting the adjuster, and getting the claim paid in full. [Xactimate Education-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/xactimate-pricing/index.html) **Xactimate Pricing: Complete Breakdown (2026)** A practical breakdown of every Xactimate subscription tier, what each plan includes, who actually needs which level, and how to avoid paying for features you won't use. [Career Guides-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/how-to-become-public-adjuster/index.html) **How to Become a Public Adjuster** Requirements, licensing, training, and career path for becoming a public adjuster. State-by-state licensing overview, exam preparation, and what the job actually involves day to day. [Insurance Claims-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/overhead-and-profit-insurance/index.html) **O&P in Insurance Claims: Getting What You Are Owed** What overhead and profit is, when insurance carriers are required to pay it, the three-trade rule, how to fight O&P denials, and the line items where it matters most. [Insurance Claims-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/negotiate-insurance-adjuster/index.html) **How to Negotiate with Your Insurance Adjuster** Practical strategies for negotiating with insurance adjusters on roof claims - from reviewing the initial estimate to filing supplements and escalating disputes. Written by contractors, for contractors. [Restoration-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/fire-damage-restoration-cost/index.html) **Fire Damage Restoration Cost: What to Expect** Realistic fire damage restoration costs by severity level. What drives the price, how insurance coverage works, and where claims typically fall short. [Restoration-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/fire-damage-restoration-process/index.html) **Fire Damage Restoration Process: Step by Step** The complete fire damage restoration process from emergency response through rebuild. What to expect at each stage, timelines, and how insurance claims work for fire losses. [Insurance Claims-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/what-is-public-adjuster/index.html) **What Is a Public Adjuster? How They Help with Claims** What public adjusters actually do, how they differ from staff and independent adjusters, when to hire one, what they charge, and how they interact with Xactimate and the supplement process. [Insurance Claims-10 min read](/content/resources/blog/roof-insurance-claim-denied/index.html) **Roof Insurance Claim Denied? Here is What to Do** Your client's roof insurance claim got denied. Here is why it happens, what your options are, and the step-by-step process for appealing, supplementing, or escalating to get the claim reconsidered. [Insurance Claims-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/rcv-vs-acv/index.html) **RCV vs ACV: What Every Contractor Must Know** A plain-language breakdown of replacement cost value vs actual cash value - how each affects your client's payout, why it matters for supplements, and how to explain it to homeowners without the jargon. [Insurance Claims-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/how-much-hail-damage-to-replace-roof/index.html) **How Much Hail Damage Is Needed to Replace a Roof?** How insurance adjusters determine whether hail damage warrants a full roof replacement vs repair. Test square counts, functional damage thresholds, and what drives the decision. [Xactimate Education-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/what-is-esx-file/index.html) **What Is an ESX File? Everything Restoration Pros Need to Know** A plain-English breakdown of what ESX files are, why they matter in insurance restoration, how to open them, and what to do when you get a PDF instead of one. [Damage Assessment-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/hail-damage-vs-blistering-shingles/index.html) **Hail Damage vs Blistering on Shingles: How to Tell the Difference** Learn to distinguish hail damage from blistering on asphalt shingles. Side-by-side comparison of visual indicators, causes, and how each affects insurance claims. [Insurance Claims-11 min read](/content/resources/blog/storm-damage-roof-insurance-claims/index.html) **Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claims: Step-by-Step Filing Guide** A contractor's step-by-step guide to filing storm damage roof insurance claims - from the initial inspection through final payment. Covers documentation, adjuster meetings, supplements, and common mistakes that cost you money. [Insurance Education-11 min read](/content/resources/blog/recoverable-depreciation-explained/index.html) **Recoverable Depreciation Explained: A Contractor's Guide** What recoverable depreciation actually is, how it's calculated per line item, who gets the check, common mistakes that cost contractors thousands, and how to recover every dollar your client is owed. [Damage Assessment-8 min read](/content/resources/blog/how-to-tell-if-roof-has-hail-damage/index.html) **How to Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage** A step-by-step inspection checklist for identifying hail damage on your roof, from ground-level signs to on-roof indicators that adjusters use to confirm a claim. [Damage Assessment-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/what-size-hail-damages-roof/index.html) **What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?** Hail size thresholds for roof damage on asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and wood. Learn what diameter triggers functional damage and when insurance typically covers replacement. [Xactimate Education-9 min read](/content/resources/blog/xactimate-certification/index.html) **Xactimate Certification: Levels, Cost & How to Get Certified** A contractor's honest breakdown of all 3 Xactimate certification levels, what each costs, how the exams actually work, and whether certification is worth your time and money. [Damage Assessment-7 min read](/content/resources/blog/what-does-hail-damage-look-like-on-roof/index.html) **What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?** Learn how to identify hail damage on shingles, metal roofs, and soft metals. Visual indicators, inspection tips, and what adjusters look for during their assessment.