What Software Do Independent Adjusters Use?
By Kevin Sodke
New adjusters ask me this all the time. I have worked claims as an independent adjuster since 2005, and the honest answer is that your software stack is part required by the carrier and part chosen by you. Here is how it breaks down.
1. Estimating: what the carrier requires
Most carriers want estimates written in Xactimate, from Verisk. Some carriers use Symbility, from Cotality, instead. You do not get to pick this one. Learn the platform each carrier and firm you work for requires, and get fast at it, because estimating is where most of your desk time goes.
2. Claim assignments: XactAnalysis and firm portals
Carriers and IA firms send assignments, track status, and receive your estimates through systems like XactAnalysis. Some firms also run their own portals. Again, this is set by who you work for.
3. Routing, scheduling, and first contact: where most adjusters patch it together
This is the part nobody hands you. Most adjusters juggle a spreadsheet, a map app, a calendar, and their personal phone to turn a stack of assignments into inspection days. It works until a storm drops 50 claims on you in a week.
I built Claim Route 360 for this gap. It imports assignments from XactAnalysis/XA, maps every claim, builds daily inspection routes, and puts them on a calendar. On the Elite plan you also get a business number for calling and texting insureds, with automated intro texts and reminders.
4. Photos and documentation
Your phone camera does most of the work, but carriers have rules about photo labels, order, and what has to be shown. Whatever app you use, make sure your photos end up organized the way the carrier's guidelines ask.
5. Roof measurements
You can measure by hand on every roof, or order an aerial measurement report and import the measurements into your estimate. Providers include EagleView, Hover, and Roof Report 360, which delivers ESX files for Xactimate.
6. Weather verification
On hail and wind claims, date of loss matters. Weather history reports show what hit the property and when. Our free hail report tracker shows recent hail activity, and every Roof Report 360 order includes a 7-year hail and wind history report for the property.
7. Time, mileage, and invoicing
Time and mileage are part of how you get paid. Track them as you work, not on Friday night from memory. Claim Route 360 tracks both on every plan, including the free one.
Where to start
Start with what the carrier requires, because that is not optional. Then look at where your hours actually go. For most field adjusters, it is the routing, scheduling, and phone tag between assignment and inspection, and that is the cheapest place to win time back.
FAQ
Do independent adjusters pay for their own Xactimate?
Most independent adjusters carry their own Xactimate license. Check what each firm you work for requires before you buy.
What is XactAnalysis?
XactAnalysis is the Verisk platform many carriers and IA firms use to assign claims, track their status, and receive estimates.
What software helps independent adjusters schedule inspections?
Claim Route 360 is built for it: it imports assignments, maps claims, builds daily routes, and schedules inspections, with a mobile app for the field. There is a free plan, and Pro and Elite include a 14-day free trial.