Using Industry Data to Improve Claims Results: Lessons From the 2025 Pulse Check

The restoration industry is going through a challenging time period. Claim volume is lower than in recent years. Insurance payments are taking longer. Costs continue to rise. Adjusters are scrutinizing claims even more and pushing for lower payouts. A recent C&R 2025 State of the Industry Pulse Check highlighted these trends and how they impact restorers on the ground.

While the industry is going through a period of “correction,” contractors are finding ways to adapt and protect their business. When restoration companies tighten their claims processes, strengthen communication, and use data to guide decisions, they perform better, even in a tough market. At One Claim Solution, we believe strongly in the value of data-backed claims management. Here is a closer look at what the Pulse Check revealed and what you need to know about using data to drive better billing results.

Insurance Payments Are Slowing Down

According to the Pulse Check, more restorers are facing longer delays from insurers. Claims that once paid out in 30 to 45 days are often taking 60 to 90 days or longer now. That creates major strain on cash flow, especially when companies are growing or paying higher labor and material costs. Slow payment timelines affect your ability to take on more jobs, keep good team members, and invest back into the business.

Data is a part of the solution to longer payment timelines. When tracking information like your days to payment, your follow-up frequency, and delays, you have the information you need to start exploring solutions. The longer a claim sits untouched, the harder it becomes to collect. Data gives you the power to spot delays early.

More Claims Are Being Underpaid or Disputed

The report shows higher deductibles and reduced policy coverage in some markets. Carriers are pushing harder on pricing and scope. They are rejecting invoices more frequently and requiring more proof of work. That means restorers who do not have strong documentation and organized processes are losing money.

Data can help you answer questions like:

Which adjusters push back the most?
Which line items get challenged most often?
What documentation gets the best approval results?
Where do scope gaps create revenue losses?

Your claims data is the key to building better negotiation strategies.

Volume Is Down, But Opportunity Is Still There

Industry data shows that non-CAT insurance claims have dropped, especially smaller water losses. Many policyholders are choosing not to file claims at all. But the Pulse Check found that companies with strong systems and visibility into performance did not lose revenue. Some even grew.

When volume goes down, efficiency matters more. When you have clear data, you can identify resource bottlenecks, improve scheduling, set realistic goals, and prevent invoices from falling through the cracks.

Claims Teams Need Better Processes and Training

One trend was very clear. Companies that invest in well-defined processes, regular training, and communication between field and billing teams see better results. Poor documentation and mistakes happen more often when training is inconsistent or when the process lives only in someone’s head. Even the most skilled claims specialist cannot overcome missing information.

Data helps you track common documentation errors, evaluate performance by role, region, or adjuster, build training that targets real weaknesses, and protect knowledge when turnover happens. When your process is consistent and documented, surviving tough periods and scaling becomes possible.

Technology Is a Must Have

The Pulse Check highlighted growing use of technology in insurance billing. This includes automation for follow-ups, digital tracking for claims progress, streamlined data entry, and systems that reduce human error. Technology alone does not solve claims problems. But technology plus strong processes equals consistency and better results.

Restoration contractors who continue to manage claims with spreadsheets, emails, and memory will struggle to keep up with the market. Take the time to explore the technological tools out there. Then, take the leap by purchasing it and implementing it into your work. Avoiding modern technology is a recipe for failure during more challenging time periods like the one the restoration industry has been going through recently.

Resilience Comes From Action

Industry trends are challenging, but they also give us clarity into our businesses. If the past year has revealed weaknesses in your billing process, now is the time to fix them. Not when volume returns. Not after cash flow gets tight. Companies that outperform in this market analyze their claims data and adapt their processes based on what that data reveals. When you follow the data, it empowers your team to succeed, even in the midst of a slower claims year.

Restoration Claims Data Insight With OCS

Most restoration companies do not have the time or staffing to overhaul their restoration insurance billing internally. That is why many restoration contractors turn to One Claim Solution. We bring a fully built restoration claims team and exclusive technological tools that track and analyze billing metrics in real time, both for OCS’s claims team and your restoration team. Our goal is to help you turn claims data into better outcomes and faster payments. Let us help you use data to drive better claims success in the year ahead. Reach out to One Claim Solution today.