You’ll be disappointed if you wait and hope your insurance company will take care of you. You have rights. However, you may need to assert yourself to get what you are paying for.
These are five tips to help you avoid disputes over home structural claims and ensure a quick and fair settlement.
1. Ask at least two people to give you estimates if you don’t have a trusted contractor. Interview the contractors. The lowest bid is not always the best, but you do want the best work. The quality and professionalism of an estimate can tell you a lot about the contractor’s quality.
Hire a local, reputable contractor. Be wary of out-of-town men who travel to storms for a quick payday. Locals are more likely to support their work in the event of a problem.
Refer to references. Ask for proof of workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Contractors who don’t have both insurance coverages should not be hired. You are more likely to be sued for injuries on the job site if a contractor fails to show proof of both coverages. You can also sue the contractor’s liability insurer company if you are injured or your property is damaged by a repair.
Pay attention to your gut and choose the contractor you feel most at ease with. You don’t always have to choose the lowest-priced contractor. You have to accept the costs of repairs. As long as the costs are reasonable, most adjusters will work with you.
2. Do not allow single inspections or estimates. Do not allow your insurance adjuster to inspect your home by himself. Do not agree that the adjuster will write his own estimate. The estimate will be worthless if it is not agreed upon.
3. Connect the two people. Give the adjuster your contractor’s name and number. The adjuster’s name, cellphone number, and claim number should be shared with the contractor. Instruct them to call each other and arrange a meeting at home so they can agree on the damage and an acceptable repair price.
4. Don’t worry about the dollar amount. Do not worry if the final price agreed to is lower than the initial bid. Adjusters are needed to ensure that repairs costs remain reasonable and prevent contractors from writing blank checks.
5. Avoid additional damage issues before they occur. When the parties meet, agree on a price and agree to meet again later, make sure they agree to cooperate with one another if further damage is discovered. You must hold them accountable to this commitment. Do not let them seduce you. Instruct your contractor to get permission from the adjuster if he calls asking for an okay to make additional repairs.
Your agent can help you if you run into roadblocks, or are at risk of losing your hair. Your agent is there to assist you in claiming time so you get what you deserve.