The way we handle property claims has changed — and so has the way we collaborate as professionals. Whether you’re on the carrier side, working as a third-party consultant, or holding a GC license and navigating complex repairs, the demands have grown more intense. Claims are bigger. Expectations are higher. Timelines are tighter.
In this piece, we’re taking a straight look at how insurance claim consulting — particularly when general contractors are involved — is evolving to meet the moment. From earlier engagement to better tools to navigating appraisal and expert testimony, here’s what we’re seeing in the field.
1. Consultants Are Being Brought In Earlier — and It’s Making a Difference
More carriers are looping in consultants right out of the gate, instead of as a last resort. And the results speak for themselves: cleaner files, fewer disputes, faster settlements.
By getting involved early, consultants can shape the scope before things veer off-track. We’re seeing better estimates, fewer inflated claims, and a real reduction in avoidable delays. This shift toward front-end involvement isn’t just a trend — it’s a smarter, more efficient way to work.
2. Claims Are Getting More Complex — and Experience Matters
The claims we’re seeing today aren’t always straightforward. Cat losses, code upgrades, disputed scopes, and yes, an uptick in questionable damage assessments — it’s all becoming more common.
That’s where GC-licensed consultants are stepping up. Having hands-on construction experience in the room changes the conversation. We’re not just reviewing line items; we’re flagging what’s feasible, what’s fair, and what’s fiction. For carriers juggling large losses or high-volume storm response, this kind of field-based credibility can be a game-changer.
3. Technology Has Upped Everyone’s Game — If You’re Using It Right
Advanced estimating platforms have completely changed the game. Tools like Xactimate and others are making it easier to deliver highly detailed, data-backed scopes at scale. But it’s not just about using the software — it’s about knowing how to apply it wisely.
When both sides are working from the same platforms, with consistent pricing and documentation standards, the margin for disagreement shrinks. And when consultants are fluent in these tools, carriers get estimates that are not only fast — but defensible.
What This Means for Peer Reviews, Appraisals, and Expert Work
These shifts aren’t just improving day-to-day claims — they’re reshaping how we approach peer reviews, appraisals, and even expert witness testimony. We’re seeing:
- More collaborative peer review processes, where consultants work side-by-side with carriers to resolve discrepancies before they become disputes.
- A need for credible, neutral umpires and appraisers who understand the technical scope and the importance of staying fair and timely.
- Greater demand for litigation-ready documentation that can hold up under legal scrutiny — and consultants who know how to testify to it.
If you’re in the consulting or carrier space, you’re probably already seeing this convergence of construction insight, tech fluency, and legal preparedness. It’s where the industry is headed.
Final Thoughts: We’re Not Just Estimators — We’re Strategic Partners
Insurance consulting used to be mostly about number crunching. Today, it’s about navigating complexity, reducing friction, and getting everyone to the finish line faster.
Whether you’re working files in-house or supporting carriers as a GC, appraiser, or expert, the goal is the same: accurate, timely, defensible outcomes. The consultants who can deliver that — and communicate clearly throughout — are the ones carriers are calling back.
The job is evolving. And the best among us are evolving with it.