Property claims glossary
What is a supplement on a property claim?
A supplement is an addition to an approved estimate for damage or costs found after the first inspection, such as rotted decking discovered when a roof is torn off. Supplements are common and usually legitimate, and each one needs the same coverage and pricing check as the original estimate.
Worked example · fictitious claim
A roof estimate is approved at $15,000. During tear-off the contractor finds damaged decking and submits a $2,400 supplement, of which $1,800 is supported by photos and the policy. The revised estimate is $15,000 + $1,800 = $16,800.
How it affects a settlement
An approved supplement increases the payable amount and is usually paid as an additional check. Each supplement also reopens the file, so reviewing it quickly keeps cycle time down.
In practice
An addition to the original estimate for damage or costs discovered after initial approval. They are common, legitimate, and a known leakage channel when supplements aren't re-checked against the policy with the same rigor as the original estimate.
Related
Scope of loss · Claims leakage · Claims leakage · property claims glossary