Understanding the costs for soft contents billing

The decision to replace or restore after a catastrophe depends on several factors. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Contents billing is a notoriously difficult task. It can be a minefield for restoration specialists looking to provide their clients value for restoration while ensuring that they cover their own costs and make a reasonable profit. But it is also a headache for carriers and adjusters who must audit bills to ensure they are paying equitable settlements for the insureds while protecting the carrier’s bottom line.

Since every loss site is unique, is it possible to approach a contents bill in a consistent, fair and pragmatic manner, free from anxiety and uncertainty? More importantly, since there are so many variables at play, is there a standardized and manageable formula to enable you to determine whether a bill is reasonable or whether it is “too hot or too cold?” The answer is “yes”, but first, it pays to consider the nature of the problem.