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Last Post 09/01/2010 10:45 AM by  Ray Hall
Help with Xactimate New user
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ClayX
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Posts:4


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08/26/2010 6:58 PM
    I training on the free version and have accidentally turned all the walls in sketch into dotted lines. All tools at the top including undo are half tone. How do I turn the dotted lines back onto solid walls. While I'm at it how do you draw a simple wall the is not square with the rest of the building.
     
    This is not my first post,  don't quite know why it is showing  so. Joined back during Ivan.
    host
    CatAdjuster.org Founder
    Posts:709


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    08/26/2010 7:17 PM
    Do you have more than one level, look the tabs along the bottom of the sketch, do you have more than one. It sounds like the dotted lines you may be seeing could be on a level below the one you are currently working on.

    You can use the vertex tool to create walls that are not square with the room. If you just wish to draw a wall and not a room you can use the Wall tool. 
     
    In the image below the roof is the main level and I'm currently working on the Top Level, the roof sketch is shown as dotted lines.  

     
     
     
     
    ClayX
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    08/26/2010 7:30 PM
    I'm only on the main level with no other levels created.
     
    All tools are disabled. 
     

    host
    CatAdjuster.org Founder
    Posts:709


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    08/26/2010 7:46 PM
    Have you changed the estimate status to Complete? This will disable to the tools. Check the Complete tab.
    ClayX
    Guest
    Guest
    Posts:4


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    08/26/2010 7:50 PM
    Estimate Status "In Progress"
    ClayX
    Guest
    Guest
    Posts:4


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    08/26/2010 7:51 PM
    Tried to attach a pic of the screen, no luck.
    host
    CatAdjuster.org Founder
    Posts:709


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    08/26/2010 7:53 PM
    Email it to roy@catadjuster.org and I will add it.
    dcmclaims
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    Posts:3


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    08/27/2010 6:30 AM
    Ah the good old days using a #2 and writing T & E estimates. Pocket calculator? Nope, all done with the #2 at the insured's kitchen table going over the scope with a handshake agreed & out the door!
    WILLIS
    Member
    Member
    Posts:97


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    08/27/2010 2:45 PM
    I am with you dcmclaims. Sure Ray Hall would agree, I loved hand written losses, you adjusted then agreed with the insured, he was satisfied, carrier paid the claim because you knew what you were doing and they trusted your ability, and it was settled. He never came back again and again. He never filed a lawsuit. Hardly every had an attorney and never a PA. Best part no cell, no fax, no computer, no problems.

    The Xact question is just another reason not to use the damn thing. Xact is too complicated changing with every new version. I have used Xact since 1983. DOS versions run circles around windows, reason, you had to know what you were doing. No pull down menus, or pictures to rely on. His question is valid. Fortunately he can get an answer on this site for someone will know how to fix it. Jump ahead, this year storms, he is in hotel with 50 nightmare claims when you hit the dot vs line snag. Calling Xact support is a joke, been there done that. With Xact you need a network of adjusters to resolve all the problems.

    Fortunately for me, between Flood, and three mutual carriers who do not require Xact for wind et al and arbitrations claims I survive nicely with just Simsol, Word and Excel. The diagram program in Simsol is old school just draw the damn thing with a line, move on to next one. Good luck with Xact, keep practicing Fiona is just off the horizon, and she has friends right behind her.
    Ray Hall
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:2443


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    08/27/2010 3:12 PM
    yep, we did not know that we would be put out to pasture when we would not take a photo from the ridge with your sign on on door on a 10/12 pitch. Flood always has been my first choice, remember the days when we could fly in scope for 5 days, fly home and write all the losses up from your home/office.
    ddreisbach
    Member
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    Posts:172


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    08/28/2010 2:56 PM
    Posted By WILLIS on 27 Aug 2010 02:45 PM 
    ... I loved hand written losses, you adjusted then agreed with the insured, he was satisfied, carrier paid the claim because you knew what you were doing and they trusted your ability, and it was settled...
    Some carriers still let adjusters settle claims in the field.  I am expected, whenever possible, to scope the damage, write up the estimate on-site (with a computer), print out a copy and obtain agreement with the insured.  Then I go back to the truck and print a check.  I have enough authority that I can write the check at least 95% of the time.  The insureds are amazed and impressed. They now have bragging right with their neighbors. 
    The downside to the adjuster is that you have to do it on-site while sitting in the truck, and you have to get it right on the first try.  The check is in the hands of the insured and the file may be reviewed by a QC adjuster.  You don't have time to fumble with the software. 

    Ray Hall
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:2443


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    08/28/2010 4:36 PM
    This is really the way to settle claims, this way means the adjuster has made a through inspection, discussed all the scope and cost with the insured and the loss should stay closed 98% of the time. I think we will se the real large underwriters go back this type of adjusting. If the insured does not agree 100% of the "first draft" ; you can bet it will tweeked before the adjuster leaves the site, OR the adjuster and insured come to an agreement..... and its revised that night and emailed back. About 90% of all people now use email and the other 4 out of 5 have a fax number.

    To many files do not stay closed.... to much running and gunning.
    stormcrow
    Member
    Member
    Posts:437


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    08/28/2010 8:17 PM
    Ray, to do a claim this way you must be on site long enough to scope everything, not leave it for the company to correct later. Some here could close(?) another 2 files in that time, get there money and run. Now thats the modern way to handle claims we keep hearing about.
    I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not screaming in terror like his passengers.
    Ray Hall
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:2443


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    08/28/2010 9:41 PM
    Yep rush in knock out the honest folks who leave a lot of $ on the table and then give the more difficult to the clean up crew, then the local clean up crew, then the lawyers. Makes money for ever one, except the honest people with customer loyalty... who just keep paying the rate increase ever year. (without question)
    CatAdjusterX
    Veteran Member
    Veteran Member
    Posts:964


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    08/28/2010 11:09 PM
    The best defense to claims being reopened
     
    by either PA's or attorney rep'd insureds is a solid, thorough scope of damages the first time, give the insured everything they are entitled too.
     
    Exercise a little LAGNIAPPE ( If an item or repair is in the gray area , give it to em')
     
    If you give em' enough to cover they're damages the first time, the only issue down the road may be a supplemental check for increased costs of material and labor
     
     
     
    Robby Robinson
    "A good leader leads..... ..... but a great leader is followed !!" CatAdjusterX@gmail.com
    WILLIS
    Member
    Member
    Posts:97


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    08/31/2010 3:41 PM

    Well dreisback et al... Hand writing was for a single roof, maybe minor leaks. It is not the best option when the two story roof, frame and all is missing, the entire second floor collapses into the ground level and the entire back of the house is missing. I prefer building a working realtionship with an insured, convincing him I want to include every bit of damage explaining it might take a re-visit or two, and considerable time to complete the estimate.  So when the staff adjuster calls the insured following our visit he will impress him with our concern for his loss.  Quite honestly, I do not want payment authority.  I am quite happy to allow the staff adjuster with the carrier issuing the payments.

    But I am sure many sat in their F-350 diesel pick up with the big ladder rack and cranked that puppy out right there in the driveway,  not missing a single item, then completing it all in 30 minutes or less to the total amazement of the insured who paid an architect and 2 contractors untold sums to build his dream house in 8 months.   All just to impress the insured by handing him his final payment concluding his claim so all his neighbors will be impressed.

    That approach provided me untold numbers of claims from Katrina and then from plaintiff lawyers who were suing the carriers for about 200+ pages of items that pick up adjuster missed.  God bless and thank you ever so much.  

    ddreisbach
    Member
    Member
    Posts:172


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    09/01/2010 9:41 AM
    Willis, you're trying to compare apples with watermelons.

    The average storm claim is less than $10,000 and it can be closed for good on the spot by a competent adjuster. Obviously, no one is going to sit in the driveway and write up a claim where "the two story roof, frame and all is missing, the entire second floor collapses into the ground level and the entire back of the house is missing." However, I have worked losses like that where I was able to print a check to cover the insured's immediate food, lodging, moving and other costs on my first visit.

    The carrier wants to keep the insured happy, and this is a good way to do it. Are the neighbors impressed? You bet they are! I've seen it. "Harold, why didn't we get a check?" Might even sell a few policies.
    Ray Hall
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:2443


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    09/01/2010 10:45 AM

    I agree, must losses are simple roof or water over floor losses. These should and can be settled on the first call. No one in their right mind will expect a 10 hour loss to be settled in a drive by manner. Lets use the words of the London Underwriters..... "the right horse for the right course"  ** this is assuming this horse has the correct person in the saddle***

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