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Managing Your Restoration BusinessAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Estimating to Close: Strategies for Faster, Smarter Claims Resolution

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

By Kayla McGowan
July 2, 2025

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:

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

 

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This episode of Ask the Expert is brought to you by Elkmont Estimates.


KEYWORDS: insurance claims insurance estimating restoration documentation

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Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of Restoration and Remediation (R&R) magazine, bringing nearly 10 years of marketing and communications experience in the restoration sector. With a solid foundation in content creation, editing, and social media strategy, Kayla respects the vital work of the industry. At R&R, she develops content that engages and informs restoration professionals and manages content strategy for The Experience Events, bridging the cleaning and restoration industries. Outside of work, Kayla is an avid foodie who loves exploring new culinary experiences. She enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the outdoors. Kayla is excited to connect with industry professionals and contribute to R&R’s ongoing success. Reach her at mcgowank@bnpmedia.com or 757-849-2461.

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