When working insurance claims, the estimating platform you use can make a major difference in your payout. While insurance adjusters frequently rely on Symbility, savvy contractors know there’s a strategic advantage in transitioning estimates to Xactimate® — and the numbers back
it up.
The Real Difference Between Symbility and Xactimate
At a glance, Symbility and Xactimate serve the same purpose: estimating repair and restoration costs. But behind the scenes, their pricing models can diverge dramatically. In our experience, switching an exterior damage estimate from Symbility to Xactimate increases the total by 15% to 20% on average — even when using comparable line items.
This difference adds up quickly, especially in trades like roofing, gutters, siding, and exterior painting, where every detail counts.
Case Snapshot: A Texas Roof That Proves the Point
In a recent project near Dallas-Fort Worth:
● The Symbility estimate for a 38-square roof came to $15,587.16
● The converted Xactimate estimate reached $18,514.04
● After adding missing but legitimate line items, the final total hit $21,766.75
That’s more than $6,000 in additional claim value — uncovered through a simple platform change and careful supplementing.
Why Do Insurers Prefer Symbility?
It’s easy to see the incentive. For insurance companies, Symbility typically leads to lower settlements. Some major players, like Liberty Mutual, have made the switch for this very reason. But lower initial payouts often result in supplements from contractors, which can neutralize the intended savings — or even increase overall costs.
Key Considerations in Estimate Conversions
● The same repair task can be measured differently. For example, a rain diverter might be priced per linear foot in Symbility and per unit in Xactimate.
● Individual pricing lines may sometimes be higher in Symbility, but the total estimate malmost always favors Xactimate.
● We’ve yet to encounter a conversion that reduced the estimate total.
Capture What You’re Owed
Contractors shouldn’t have to accept underpriced estimates. Whether you’re working with a Symbility file or preparing a supplement, converting to Xactimate ensures a more accurate, often higher, representation of the actual work needed.
Ready to increase your claim value? Reach out today to get started with estimate conversions or supplemental reviews. We’re here to help you maximize every job.
These decorative elements are often missed due to satellite measurement gaps. If they’re excluded, you’re losing money on both labor and materials. Use the appropriate one- or two- story rates in your cost estimator and photograph these items to support your claim.