An analysis of Xactimate claims data conducted by a national restoration consulting firm found that female estimators were 17 percent more likely to identify supplemental line items — charges for work not included in the initial insurance estimate — and 23 percent more likely to successfully negotiate those supplements with adjusters.
The analysis, which reviewed 8,400 residential water and fire restoration claims completed in 2023 and 2024, found that jobs estimated by women generated an average of $1,240 more in supplemental revenue than those estimated by men, controlling for job size and complexity.
Researchers attributed the difference to documentation practices. Female estimators in the study were more likely to photograph every line item, attach manufacturer specifications for materials, and provide written justifications for non-standard charges.
"The supplement gap is one of the biggest revenue leaks in the restoration industry," said the report's lead author. "These findings suggest that the documentation discipline women bring to estimating has a direct and measurable impact on the bottom line."
The analysis was presented at the 2025 Restoration Industry Association annual conference.
