The biohazard remediation industry is evolving. Yes, the technology and methods we use to deliver our services have changed and improved. But so has the way our industry interacts with our clients and partners. More than ever, we’re striving to be transparent and clear about every stage of the remediation process to avoid frustrations or poor communication.
This includes how we estimate and communicate the costs of our services. At ServiceMaster BioClean, we’ve always been committed to open communication and clarity about our fees. Now, we can do that with help from one of the most widely used platforms in the insurance space: Xactimate by Verisk.
In this article, we’ll explore what exactly the Xactimate system is, how it works, and how we’re integrating it into our processes to deliver clear and standardized cost estimates.
What is Xactimate?
Xactimate is a software designed to help companies create detailed property damage and repair estimates. It’s become a standard for contractors, insurance adjusters, and restoration/remediation professionals as they communicate with their clients. Since entering the scene, Xactimate has helped streamline claims processes and help clients make sure they know what costs to expect from a project.
In biohazard remediation, Xactimate brings clarity and fairness to estimates of scope and cost. Service providers, insurance carriers, and policyholders can all get on the same page—which is important, considering they’re meant to be on the same team.
How Xactimate Works
Xactimate works by combining massive pricing databases with customizable modules based on the specific job at hand. Estimators enter information about the damaged/contaminated area, and the software then calculates the cost of labor, materials, and equipment based on industry standards.
Users can customize certain settings to make the estimate even more accurate to their unique industry. Other features include photo documentation, notes, and integration with insurance carriers so the whole process is seamless and easy. That includes everything from communication to actual claim processing.
Why Xactimate Matters for Biohazard Remediation
Biohazard remediation is unique and can differ from other property losses. It often doesn’t involve the extensive physical damage that comes from water or fire damage claims. However, it brings its own unique challenges and restoration needs. There are real biological risks involved, not to mention issues like discretion, removal of biological material, and sanitization processes that wouldn’t usually be required in a standard restoration insurance claim.
Pathogen cleanup, hazardous waste removal, trauma scene restoration — these all require special processes and equipment, not to mention safety protocols. Until recently, these complexities weren’t captured by Xactimate’s database. This meant that biohazard remediation providers and insurers were stuck without a shared language or pricing structure.
Industry Updates in Progress
Fortunately, Versik recognized these gaps. They’re now working to make Xactimate more reflective of the biohazard remediation industry. This includes making the platform align better with established industry guidelines like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This is the gold standard for our industry, and now Xactimate will be incorporating it into their software platform. This includes addressing specialized cleanup procedures and improved descriptions that will help get rid of any ambiguity or misinterpretation around sensitive remediation subjects.
Xactimate is also adding new line items, descriptors, and modules specifically geared toward the biohazard and trauma remediation field. That means estimators will now benefit from a much more accurate and standardized toolkit.
Overall, these updates will improve communication between contractors and insurance adjusters, improve documentation accuracy, and help ensure that estimates better reflect the true scope and complexity of trauma and biohazard cleanup work.
Current Challenges
All that said, some might be wondering why these adjustments are necessary. Let’s look at the current/past state of estimates in biohazard remediation.
Many adjusters and remediation pros face the challenge of manually editing or creating custom estimates. For example, if an exact code for trauma remediation work isn’t available, the adjuster has to rewrite the line item description to accurately represent the work completed. This introduces room for error, delays in the claims process, and inconsistencies in how biohazard work is valued
It also places more burden on both adjusters and remediation companies to ensure fair and transparent documentation.
Our Approach
Here at SMBC, we’re proactively aligning our estimating practices with current and upcoming Xactimate changes. Here’s how:
- Square Footage Modules: We use square footage-based modules for consistent pricing. This has the added benefit of making documentation simpler, and lowers the need for manual adjustments.
- Following IICRC Standards: All estimates are developed in accordance with IICRC guidelines, so the scope and methods of remediation are clearly defined
- Transparent Communication: We work closely with adjusters to clarify any discrepancies in line item descriptions, which helps claims move more quickly.
Looking Ahead
Verisk is going to keep refining Xactimate to meet the needs of the biohazard remediation industry. At SMBC, we’re going to stay ahead of these updates so that our clients and partners always benefit from transparent and accurate estimates. We’ll always strive to provide estimates that reflect the real scope and complexity of the work to be done, while making life much easier for adjusters, policyholders, and everyone involved with the process.
We often say that we tend to interact with people on their worst days. In as many ways as we can, we want to honor that fact by being as compassionate, caring, and effective as we can be. More accurate and transparent estimates through Xactimate are just one of the ways we do that.
The Company with a Standard of Protection
Here at ServiceMaster BioClean, we follow an industry-leading Standard of Protection that informs everything we do. That doesn’t just extend to the work we complete, but also the way we communicate and the integrity we operate with. Thanks to Xactimate, we can now take that standard even further.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Xactimate is a critical estimating tool used across the insurance and restoration industries.
- Verisk is currently updating Xactimate to better align with biohazard remediation needs.
- All SMBC estimates follow IICRC standards for quality and safety.
- We prioritize clear communication with adjusters to reduce delays and confusion.
- SMBC is committed to staying ahead of Xactimate changes and industry standards.
Want to learn more? Contact ServiceMaster BioClean today!