Claims & Insurance
Proximate cause
The event the law treats as the direct cause of the damage, even when other conditions contributed. Carriers use it to decide coverage, so document the chain from the storm or event to the damage rather than only the damage itself.
Full guide: roof claim denied supplement appeal guide
More claims & insurance terms
- Proof of loss
The signed statement the policyholder submits to the insurer listing the amount claimed and swearing the loss facts are true. The policy sets the deadline and the carrier supplies the form; state law can change both, so get the specific requirement in writing before signing or filing. An incomplete or amended form can delay payment, so match the numbers to the estimate and keep a dated copy.
- Property damage
Physical harm to covered structures or belongings caused by a covered event. In a claim it is the trigger for coverage, so the report should tie the damage to the date and cause of loss with photos, and separate storm damage from wear or poor maintenance.
- Public adjuster
An adjuster hired by the policyholder, not the carrier, to document the damage and negotiate the claim on their behalf.
- Re-inspection
A second look at a property or a completed repair, usually requested by the carrier, a reviewer, or the homeowner. It can confirm the work, reopen a disputed item, or trigger a supplement, so keep the same documentation package ready and note who attended.
- Rebuttal
A written, evidence-backed response explaining why the carrier's estimate does not fully cover the loss.
- Reopened claim
A closed claim that the carrier puts back into active status, usually because new damage, a supplement, or a missed item surfaced after payment. Reopening has its own time limits and documentation rules that vary by carrier and state, so ask what they require before resubmitting.
Common questions
What does "Proximate cause" mean in Xactimate estimating?
The event the law treats as the direct cause of the damage, even when other conditions contributed. Carriers use it to decide coverage, so document the chain from the storm or event to the damage rather than only the damage itself.
Where does "Proximate cause" show up in a claim?
The term matters on estimates and scopes across the insurance restoration workflow, see the full guide for where it fits.
Put this to work
ESXPress converts carrier scope PDFs into import-ready Xactimate ESX files, line items mapped to their real code, priced for import.
Start free, 5 conversions, no card →