Xactimate Reviews

“Amazing software

Pros

They do an excellent job of consistently keeping the pricing lists up to date and accurate.

Cons

When I get disconnected, my work is not automatically saved.

“Love it or hate it, you need It!

Pros

I appreciate the ability to itemize scope down to the trade level and generate the necessary reports.

Cons

Xactimate offers labor and material costs based on my geographic location, but it doesn't include profit margins. This would be acceptable if most insurance carriers understood and accepted this, but they usually pay us based solely on Xactimate pricing for labor and materials, rejecting our O&P about 85% of the time. The time spent in Xactimate, the costs involved, and the skill level required to use it efficiently should be considered. Xactimate is only available on Windows, so as a MAC user, I have to buy a separate computer or software to run it. Using it on an iPad isn't helpful for everyone.

“Highly functional estimating software

Pros

I find Xactimate easy to use on different devices, both online and on desktop, which helps me create accurate estimates for projects of any size.

Cons

I find it a bit tricky to estimate line items because the names do not always make sense. The sketch feature can be hard to use for complex building designs, but using another sketching program makes it easier.

“Costly but essential for Industry standards

Pros

I can reuse any previous estimate to start a new one for another claim with similar damages. Prices are updated.

Cons

Sometimes it's hard to download photos. Besides being a Public Adjuster, I'm also a general contractor, but this program is too costly for me to make monthly payments. Sometimes, it's easier for me to hire an estimator than to use this program. I love calculating and writing estimates.

“Go-to software for Insurance carrier work

Pros

It offers clear-cut billing, which has helped boost my bottom line.

Cons

It's very expensive and allows only one login at a time.

“All in one solution

Pros

I love how this software includes everything one might need. It contains valuable information for successfully scoping a project.

Cons

From my experience, this system isn't intuitive and is overly complicated for what it is. It's hard to get used to and difficult to train new employees on. The line items can be confusing, and the system can be slow at times.

“Very confusing

Pros

It's required by the franchisor and insurance companies for submitting claims, so we must use it.

Cons

It's confusing as an administrator. There are multiple login options, it's complicated to set up employee IDs, and accessing proper training for employees is difficult. They charge for tech support calls.

“Time-saving tool

Pros

We are now using Xactimate online and recently discovered that the newer iPhones with Lidar allow us to draft an entire room in a fraction of the time it used to take by hand. This has become a real time-saver for our business.

Cons

We've had major issues during system upgrades over the years. In theory, everything seemed simple, but then we'd have features that no longer worked or jobs we couldn't access with the updated version. We had to call customer support, and the entire process took 2-4 days in the past.

“Consistently helpful and supportive saleswoman

Pros

The sales team is always willing to help and consistently responds, especially Support team who I interact with daily.

Cons

It requires reading and fully understanding each section, and it takes time to make sense of it all.

“Too many system failures

Pros

I'm level 3 certified. The program is very simple to use but crashes every 5 to 10 minutes. I hope they scrap X1 and start over.

Cons

I'm 62 years old and know several software programs. In terms of reliability, this is the worst software ever. Xactimate 28 was one of the best programs. All my friends complain about the crashes.

“Ultimate restoration tool

Pros

I've noticed that they regularly update the pricing to match current rates.

Cons

I've noticed there's a lot of typing required when adding new categories, which can be time-consuming.

“Xactimate online requires Internet explorer

Pros

The online version offers nothing. The desktop version is adequate.

Cons

Xactimate is a high-end, high-priced software for the construction and insurance industry. With the amount they charge for the online subscription, you'd think they'd have up-to-date software. It's July 2021, and the online version still relies on Internet Explorer. The engineers at Xactimate should have this software at the forefront of technology, but instead, they lag behind, pretending Internet Explorer and Silverlight are still relevant. If you're an Apple user, it won't work for you.

“Frustrating experience

Pros

Unfortunately, it's the tool I have to use since it's the standard in the storm damage remediation business.

Cons

It crashes daily, losing valuable work and time, which is very frustrating. Many functions aren't consistent with standard computer user functions.

“Easy to learn

Pros

I really like that it's widely accepted by insurance carriers, which makes the process smoother. It's also pretty easy to use, so I don't have to spend too much time figuring things out.

Cons

There are a few categories that don't align with market value. If you're not aware of the deficiencies, you could end up short on an estimate. Drywall, in particular, is severely lacking compared to market value.

“Leading software for estimating

Pros

Xactimate is a very flexible program that enables companies to efficiently estimate repair work with ease.

Cons

The cost of the software is a bit high for small businesses that don't use the program regularly.

“Training for effective usage

Pros

It works well for someone with a construction background. It's very mouse-driven and has hotkeyed entries for data entry.

Cons

You need a background in building properties to work with it. It doesn't have default corrections to prevent you from building walls, etc., that don't make sense and cost too much.

“Quick setup and user-friendly flexibility

Pros

Using it across different platforms with cloud syncing provides good options for our staff to coordinate project estimates easily and effectively, with the assurance that information can be updated and synced later even if not online.

Cons

So far, no issues with setup, and mobile fieldwork hasn't been hampered by connectivity issues, as sync is always available once devices are reconnected.

“Worth the wait: amazing product

Pros

The program is very detailed, down to the number of screws a particular job will require. It estimates the time needed and allows you to customize prices for your market if they differ, but I've found it to be accurate for my market.

Cons

The program is so detailed and full of options that it can be overwhelming. It's definitely learnable, but it takes time and commitment.

“High quality system

Pros

We use this daily for our roofing estimates. It's beneficial that it syncs with our local supply company and keeps prices updated.

Cons

The price point was hard to adjust to at first, but if you think about the time it saves you from doing it all by hand, it's worth it.

“No Mac Compatibility

Pros

The product worked fine before, but no one supports it anymore. It was useful once you learned it.

Cons

It doesn't work with my MacBook Pro. It's way behind in technology if it can't even have a Mac version. I've lost a lot of money paying others to run my X8 invoices.

“Not easy for novice users

Pros

Xactimate provides exact estimates based on materials, square footage, etc. The software allows each house to be converted into a project and saved.

Cons

I'm tech-savvy, and it took me a while to learn to use this product efficiently. However, once I mastered it, it became an essential part of my daily business.

“Online Issues, desktop won't Install

Pros

There are no advantages if you're a contractor. Insurance carriers control everything. The pricing is terrible.

Cons

I feel like everything about it has become really frustrating. It's not as easy to use anymore, especially for adjusters who tend to write poor estimates.

“Over 20 years, Improved but still glitchy

Pros

Xactimate is very user-friendly & I like how customizable it is. However, I think there's still room for improvement when it comes to flexibility.

Cons

I get notices saying the calculations are incorrect, but the program itself is the one providing those calculations.

“Levels the field with adjusters

Pros

The multiple line items are great. They could expand slightly in some areas, but overall, it's pretty comprehensive.

Cons

A major drawback is the so-called market rate. They rely on contractor bids in an area. Some contractors have no idea how to bid a job, so they end up driving the rates down.

“Easy for beginners

Pros

It is really easy to learn and it has a lot of features that make it simple to create clear and accurate estimates.

Cons

Drawing different types of roofs can be challenging to get right, but with proper training, the tool is amazing.