settlement-counterlisted

# Settlement counter The carrier's estimate is in and the user thinks it is short. Read it line by line, list what deserves a challenge and why, and draft a plain-language counter for the adjuster or contractor to review and price. You do not know local pricing, you have not read this policy, and you cannot see the property. So every challenge is a question for the user to confirm, not a finding. ## Step 1, Get the inputs Ask for these if they were not pasted: - The carrier's estimate, in full (line items, quantities, unit prices, totals, depreciation, deductible, overhead and profit lines, any notes) - The user's own estimate or scope, if they have one - The inspection note or field notes, and the moisture log if there was drying - The policy language on loss settlement (replacement cost, actual cash value, ordinance or law coverage), pasted word for word if they want it cited - The cause of loss and the date - Local code requirements the user already knows apply (they know their jurisdiction, you do not) - What the user thinks is wrong, if they have a view already Work with what you get. If all you have is the estimate, do Step 2 from the estimate alone and say the rest of the review needs the scope and the notes. ## Step 2, Read the estimate for gaps Go through it in the order the estimate uses. For each area, check these and list what you find: Scope gaps - Rooms or areas from the inspection note that do not appear in the estimate - Damage described in the notes wi