Estimating to Close: Strategies for Faster, Smarter Claims Resolution

How Elkmont Estimates helps restoration professionals close claims faster with accuracy and consistency

On this episode of Ask The Expert, we had the opportunity to sit down with Tess Huge, Senior Estimator for Elkmont Estimates, and Todd Watkins, Claims Closure Specialist for Elkmont Estimates and we discuss estimating and closing your claims. Tess has over six years of experience as a project manager and grew up in the industry. Todd has 20 years of leadership experience in the retail industry and has a strong ability to navigate touchy situations, build rapport and negotiate with professionalism and empathy.

Key Topics of Discussion:

The biggest challenges restoration professionals face when trying to close insurance claims efficiently.
Accuracy and speed of estimates and how they impact the claims closing timeline.
The common pitfalls that restoration companies encounter when handling estimates in-house and how Elkmont Estimates works to help improve the outcomes.
How estimating services like Elkmont Estimates help with consistency and compliance and meet carrier expectations and the influence that has on faster claims resolution.
Tess and Todd share success stories of how their services have directly contributed to smoother, faster claims closures.

On the Go?

Listen to the audio version of our conversation!

Looking for quick answers on restoration, remediation and cleaning topics?
Try Ask R&R, our new smart AI search tool. Ask R&R →

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.