Roofing

How to Get Overhead and Profit Approved on Every Roofing Claim

CJ
Chris Jackson
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What Is Overhead and Profit on a Roofing Claim?

Overhead and profit (O&P) is a standard Xactimate line item applied as a percentage markup — typically 10% overhead and 10% profit — on top of direct repair costs. It compensates general contractors and restoration companies for the cost of coordinating, managing, and warranting the work.

The insurance industry standard is to include O&P whenever a general contractor is involved in the claim. On most residential roofing claims, that means you should be getting O&P.

Why Carriers Deny O&P

Carriers routinely deny O&P on roofing claims by claiming:

  • "You are a single-trade contractor"
  • "General contractor coordination is not required"
  • "No additional trades are involved"
  • These are incorrect under established insurance industry practice, and they can be challenged.

    The Case for O&P on Roofing Claims

    The standard argument for O&P on roofing claims:

    1. Coordination of subcontractors Even if you self-perform the roofing work, you may coordinate:

  • Gutter subcontractors
  • Electricians (disconnecting/reconnecting HVAC or electrical)
  • Chimney or masonry subcontractors
  • 2. Warranty exposure As the general contractor, you are on the hook for the entire scope — not just the roofing labor. That risk justifies profit.

    3. Industry standard The Xactimate pricing database assumes O&P is included in multi-trade or contractor-managed claims. Withholding it requires specific justification from the carrier.

    How to Cite O&P in Your Supplement Letter

    Your supplement letter should include:

  • The specific Xactimate O&P line item code
  • A statement that your company acted as general contractor for the loss
  • A list of subcontractors or coordinated trades (even one is sufficient)
  • Reference to Xactimate's own documentation on O&P
  • Let EstimateDelta Handle the O&P Argument

    [EstimateDelta](/pricing) automatically identifies when O&P is missing from a carrier estimate and generates a supplement letter with the full citation-backed argument for approval.

    [Analyze your estimate →](/pricing)

    CJ

    Chris Jackson

    Chris Jackson is the founder of EstimateDelta. With years of experience in the roofing and insurance restoration industry, he built EstimateDelta to help contractors stop leaving money on the table and fight back against underpaid insurance estimates.

    Stop Leaving Money on the Table

    Upload the carrier's estimate and EstimateDelta will find every missing line item, generate a supplement letter with code citations, and build your complete supplement pack — in under 2 minutes.

    Analyze My Estimate — $149