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Forensic Estimating for Property Damage Claims

Detailed, litigation-ready property damage estimates that expose carrier underpayments and support policyholder recovery.

Who This Is For

Hawkeye’s forensic estimating services are built for:

  • Plaintiff attorneys representing policyholders in property damage disputes
  • Policyholder advocates and public adjusters preparing for negotiation or litigation
  • Firms handling underpaid, denied, or heavily contested property claims
  • Files heading toward mediation, appraisal, or trial where the numbers will be challenged

What’s Inside a Forensic Estimate

A Hawkeye forensic estimate goes beyond a contractor-style bid. Each file typically includes:

Xactimate-Based Estimates

Line-by-line scopes built in Xactimate with clear ACV/RCV breakdowns, quantities, and pricing that align with industry standards.

Photo-to-Line-Item Correlation

Clear connections between inspection photos, damage descriptions, and specific line items in the estimate so the story of the loss is easy to follow.

Scope Verification & Corrections

Careful review of the carrier’s estimate to identify missing trades, omitted line items, improper materials, and misclassified damage.

Supporting Notes & Annotations

Explanations where needed so opposing counsel, adjusters, mediators, and courts can understand exactly how the numbers were reached.

Code & Ordinance Support

Justification for building code requirements and ordinance upgrades that should be included in the scope, not treated as optional extras.

How a Forensic Estimate Is Developed

01
Intake & File Review

Dan reviews the carrier estimate, policy language (if provided), prior contractor bids, photos, and any existing reports to understand the posture of the claim.

02
Inspection or Desk Review

Depending on the file, Hawkeye conducts a physical inspection or a detailed desk review, examining damage descriptions, photos, and documentation to verify scope and cause.

03
Estimate & Documentation

A full Xactimate estimate is prepared with ACV/RCV breakdowns, scope notes, code references where applicable, and supporting documentation tied to the damage.

04
Counsel Collaboration & Revisions

When needed, Dan coordinates with counsel to refine the estimate, address carrier pushback, and prepare the numbers for mediation, appraisal, or trial.

See What Counsel Receives

The goal is simple: give your team a clear, defensible picture of the loss and what it takes to put the insured back where they belong.

Sample Photo Report

This is where you can add a sample or redacted photo report to show how damage is documented and organized.

Sample Estimate

This is where you can add a sample or redacted estimate so visitors can see the level of detail and structure they can expect.

Why Forensic Estimating Changes the Conversation

A detailed, well-supported estimate does more than raise the number. It:

  • Makes gaps and omissions in the carrier’s estimate obvious and hard to ignore
  • Gives counsel a clear, documented foundation for demand letters, mediation briefs, and trial exhibits
  • Helps mediators, appraisers, and fact-finders understand the real scope and cost of repair
  • Positions your client as the reasonable party relying on industry-standard tools and methodology

When the numbers are built to withstand scrutiny, it’s easier to move files toward fair settlement or to support the case if it needs to be tried.

Ready to Have a File Forensically Estimated?

Hawkeye can review your file and prepare a forensic estimate tailored to the facts of the loss and the posture of the claim.

To get started, send:

  • The carrier’s estimate(s)
  • Any contractor bids or prior reports
  • Available photos and inspection notes
  • A brief description of the dispute and claim status
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