Written by Andy Gurczak
August 1, 2021
After a disaster, you are going to need an insurance claim contractor. In fact, finding the right restoration contractor will be vital to getting into your home quickly. Therefore, you will likely need an insurance claim contractor to make both emergency repairs or permanent property restoration. In fact, a contractor is essential to the claims process. For this reason, choose wisely.
- First, they will be responsible for completing repairs and restorations on time
- Second, insurance claim contractors are in charge of managing employees and subcontractors
- Equally important is they must ensure the quality of their work meets set standards
General Contractors vs. Restoration Contractors
When hiring a restoration professional, be sure to understand their skills and experience. Restoration contractors require a unique set of skills. Making sure they are a good fit is invaluable. Especially when completing the initial emergency work.
Furthermore, a qualified restoration contractor specializes in restoring properties affected by water, wind, fires, and other perils. In addition, they also have a few other qualities.
- First and foremost, an insurance claim contractor has appropriate and specialized equipment for handling the type of damage
- Second, they have experience working with insurance claims
- Moreover, a qualified contractor is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
- Last but certainly not least is that they have the required licensing for the area where they work. They could also include special licensing if they are dealing with mold, lead paint, asbestos, etc.
Things a Good Insurance Claim Contractor Should Provide You With
- First, you will need a written estimate. Secondly, make sure the document includes the costs of material and labor. Don’t forget to ask them what their specialty is.
- They should also provide you with a general time frame of the restoration process.
- Furthermore, a good insurance claim contractor provides their contractor’s license number. Make sure they also have general liability coverage (the amount of insurance should they make a mistake).
- Equally important, one must determine the contractor’s competence. Asking them about their job experience is a good start.
- Although not all repairs or contractors guarantee work, you should also ask about this. Indeed, if you have the option, take a contractor who can give you a guarantee on their work.
You should not be expected to pay for any of the above. In fact, a good contractor does not charge for an estimate. If the estimate isn’t free, find someone else.
Preferred Service Providers: Insurance Claim Contractors List
Insurance companies often provide the policyholder with a list of “preferred service providers.” Nevertheless, the policyholder may choose from this list or hire their own experts for the repair process.
If the policyholder decides to choose their own team, then they are responsible for the results. Moreover, remember you can get independent estimates for each aspect of the repair work. It’s a good idea to get more than one quote.
As a policyholder, it is vital to select a team of professionals you can trust. Remember, they will be responsible for rebuilding your home or business so that you can return to normalcy soon.
Tips When Hiring an Insurance Claim Contractor
- Did you know that if the work goes beyond the repair, you need permission. Any upgrades suggested by the insurance claim contractor need prior approval from the insurance company.
- Furthermore, make sure you get a written agreement of the professional’s work warranty/guarantee. As well as including insurance coverage verification before beginning any repairs.
- Moreover, always verify contractor credentials before hiring. In fact, do this even if the service provider is on the insurance company’s “preferred” list.
- Contractors do not have a license or a certification to adjust claims. “Unauthorized Practice of Public Adjusting” can affect policyholders negatively. Public adjusters are the only professionals specifically licensed to adjust, negotiate, and settle property claims for the insured.
- In addition, make sure to read the fine print and get insurance company approvals first. Secondly, be very diligent about reading any paper the contractor wants you to sign.
- Also, know that the contractor should begin work only when your insurance company approves your claim. Be present, don’t let your contractor negotiate with the insurance company without you. In short, be in control.
More Insurance Claim Contractor Tips
- Verify the costs of temporary repairs and debris removal. Pay attention to how much the insurance claim contractor suggests you spend on temporary repairs. The amount you spend on temporary repairs will likely be reduced from the total amount of permanent restoration. Furthermore, make sure the adjuster includes the cost for debris removal in the total estimate.
- Equally important, remember never to pay contractors in advance and never pay out of pocket for a quote or estimate. Furthermore, be sure that all checks are made payable to you to sign off on the work. Only pay for temporary repairs. Be sure to keep the receipts for minor repairs so you can submit them to the insurance for reimbursement.
- In addition, keep a notebook with all repairs information, receipts, and details.
- First, you must remember maintaining a job file of all communications with your chosen contractor. Be sure to include any signed contracts, plans, and specifications of work being done.
- Also, include all materials used, bills and invoices, canceled checks, copies of the certificates of insurance. Furthermore, be sure to include information about any subcontractors your contractor may use or material suppliers.
How to Know If an Insurance Claim Contractor Is Legitimate
To determine if a contractor is legit, you can verify their business name with your local better business bureau. However, a licensed contractor should not have a problem providing you with information showing their qualifications.
Don’t make a quick decision. Many contractors will go door-to-door after a fire. Let them know you are working with an insurance company and you require a formal bid.
Meanwhile, take down everybody’s information. Though many of these contractors seem honest and reputable, many insurance fraud cases involve pretenders. Moreover, if they are legitimate, they will be willing to put in a professional bid on doing the work.
Does the Homeowner or the Insurance Claim Contractor Receive the Check?
Depending on your policy, you might be entitled to money for temporary housing or to pay your mortgage. Don’t write any checks to your contractor. Remember to consult with your public adjuster or insurance agent to make sure it’s ok. After a decision, talk to your insurance claim adjuster to arrange this sort of payment.
Common Contractor Insurance Claims
As mentioned before, be sure your contractor has the experience you need. This is because the construction industry is a risky business. Therefore, you should learn about the most common types of contractors’ insurance. In short, you need to ensure that if the contractor messes up, you can collect from their insurance.
- First, Personal and Worker Injury: Liability insurance should cover both employees and even the contractor’s clients.
- Secondly, property damage liability insurance should also cover further damage to the property caused by the contractor. For instance, if a contractor’s employee accidentally backs up a work van onto the living room and destroys the wall. Of course, the initial insurance claim the homeowner is working with will not cover these damages.
- Also, make sure all contractor vehicles are insured for personal damage. Homeowners’ insurance will not cover contractors’ personal damages.
- Equally important is stolen equipment coverage. As a homeowner, you do not have to cover any losses as a result of a contractor. Even if equipment disappears in your home, a contractor’s insurance is in charge of covering this loss.
Best way to beat the insurance company is to hire AllCity Adjusting
At AllCity Adjusting we help residential and commercial clients alike get the claims support they need. Moreover, we have over 50 years of combined experience helping get our clients the max settlement time and time again. If your claim has been low balled or denied entirely we can help increase your maximum settlement. Call us today for a FREE consultation. Experience the AllCity difference.
Real Support When You Need It!
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