An insurance claim estimate (often called a Xactimate estimate, after the software most carriers use) can look like a wall of codes and abbreviations. You don’t need to become an expert in it, but a few things are worth understanding.
Look for line items covering tear-off and disposal separately from the new roofing material — both should be included, since removing the damaged roof is real labor. Check whether the estimate includes code-required items like ice and water shield or updated flashing, which older roofs sometimes lack and which local building code may now require on a replacement. Also look at whether the estimate reflects your roof’s actual pitch and complexity — a steep or cut-up roof takes longer to install than a simple one, and the labor line should reflect that.
If a contractor’s written scope of work doesn’t match your insurance estimate, that’s not automatically a red flag — it just means someone needs to reconcile the two, usually through what’s called a supplement. A contractor experienced with insurance work can walk you through where and why the numbers differ.