The problem
An insurer's first scope often leaves out items the job really needs: drip edge, starter, ice and water shield where local code calls for it, permit fees, a second layer to tear off. Each supplement request means comparing the scope line by line with your measurements and writing it up with photos and code references. At 8 supplements a month and 90 minutes each, that's 12 hours a month of an estimator's time.
What the AI does
Upload the adjuster's estimate and your own measurements, line items and notes to ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini, and ask it to list the items your scope has that theirs doesn't and draft a short, factual request for each, with the photo to attach and the local code or manufacturer requirement you name. The estimator checks every line against the photos and the actual code, edits the wording and sends it with the homeowner's authorization. The assistant drafts; the estimator decides what's claimed.
A worked example
An illustrative example built from typical figures, not a named business.
A roofing company in San Antonio, Texas handles about 8 hail jobs a month where the first scope misses items. The estimator uploads the carrier's estimate PDF and the company's own measurement and line-item sheet to an assistant on a $20£15€18A$29C$28 plan and works from its draft.
Before
8 supplements a month at about 90 minutes each, written from scratch at night
After
Draft comparison and request in minutes; about 30 minutes each to check, attach photos and send
What it's worth
About $320£241€286A$462C$452 a month of estimator time saved, against free to about $20£15€18A$29C$28 a month for an assistant. That's 8 supplements cut from 90 to 30 minutes, 8 hours a month, at an assumed $40£30€36A$58C$57 an hour.
How to set it up
- Choose one assistant: ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini all have free plans with usage limits, and paid plans for one person cost about $20£15€18A$29C$28 a month. Turn off model training on your chats in the settings where the plan allows it.
- Remove the homeowner's policy number and personal details from what you upload, or use initials and the claim's street name only.
- Ask for a table: each item in your scope, whether the carrier's estimate includes it, and the quantity on each side. Then ask for a short request for each missing item.
- Check every line against your photos, your measurements and the code your city has adopted. Delete anything you can't show.
- Send it the way the homeowner and carrier have agreed, with the photos, and keep a copy in the job file.
What goes wrong
- AI can invent code sections or manufacturer rules. Never cite one you haven't checked in the code your jurisdiction has actually adopted.
- In many states a contractor may not negotiate a claim for the homeowner unless licensed as a public adjuster. Keep requests to documenting the work and the cost, and check your state's rules.
- Some states bar contractors from waiving or covering a deductible. Nothing in a supplement should hint at it.
- Free plans limit file uploads and messages. A long carrier PDF may need a paid plan.