What action does my insurance policy require after a loss?

In addition to notifying your insurance carrier, most policies require that you take reasonable action to protect your property from further damage. If you fail to do so, your insurance may not cover any additional loss caused by your failure to provide such protection.

If I have obtained adequate coverage, what should my insurance pay for?

After a covered loss you are entitled to be paid a fair cost of restoring your home to its per-damage condition, minus your deductable. However, you should not expect to be paid for the repairs of unrelated problems such as deterioration and pre-existing damage. Coverage for upgrade of code deficiencies is policy specific.

Must I hire a restoration company recommended by my insurance company?

Your insurance policy does not state that you must retain a restoration company that is referred or approved by the insurance company. You are entitled to employ the service of a reputable, fully licensed and insured repair company. If you do not employ such a firm, you may be responsible for the consequences and liability for injury, damage, or other actions. This is true whether or not your insurance company recommends the firm.

Am I required to use the restoration company with the lowest price?

You are not required to accept the lowest bidder.  Repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work or professional quality and you any not are forced to use the “cheapest” or “lowest priced” bid. You are entitled to employ a firm with sufficient experience and stability in the community to stand behind its work and warranty.

Can my insurance company hire a repair firm to work on my house?

Only the owner of the property can authorize a company to perform work on that property. The repair contract is between the owner and the contractor. You insurance does not have the right to directly contract for your repairs or insist that you employ a particular supplier or firm.

What quality of material and workmanship am I entitled to receive?

You insurance policy should pay for materials and workmanship that are equal to the kind and quality of your existing ones. After repairs, the property should suffer no loss in value as a result of the damage. However, the insurance company is not obligated to improve your existing installation.

How do disclosure rules affect my repairs?

Under current law you may have to disclose any damage to future buyers, making it essential that all evidence of damage be completely eliminated. Damages that has been covered up may be discovered later and raise serious problems for the prior owner.

What should my contract include?

You are entitled to receive a detailed listing of the repairs, as well as the quantities and type of materials to be used before work begins. The specifications should be part of your contract. Don’t accept thumbnail or “repair as necessary” specifications. The possibility of hidden damages or additional charges should be fully described at the onset.

Is a special license required for insurance repair?

States have different licensing requirements for home repairs. There are also local regulations and home improvement laws to be considered. Federal regulations also may apply to home repairs; such are rescission notices and special requirements for asbestos, lead and blood-born pathogens. You are entitled to reject any contractor not in compliance with all federal, state and local requirements for residential construction. Ask an industry-qualified restoration contractor for this important information.

How can I evaluate a restoration contractor?

First, ask for references to three jobs the contractor is currently working on or has recently completed. Call them. Second, check with your local Better Business Bureau for any unresolved complaints. Third, ask the contractor for credentials and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair and restoration, since this differs from ordinary home improvement or maintenance work. And finally, ask the restoration company about any relationship with the insurance company that may impede their ability to provide and independent evaluation of your damages.

What if the insurance company and I cannot agree on the amount of the loss?

If disagreement arises between you and the insurance company over the amount of the loss, you are entitled to request arbitration ("appraisal") as described in your policy. The standard homeowners' policy spells out the procedures for appraisal without resorting to a lawsuit. The insurance company may also request appraisal, which can be invoked at any time prior to a settlement, even if you have already received advance payment.

How long must I wait for my insurance payment?

You are entitled to receive payment from the insurance company within the time specified by the policy and your state insurance regulations. Usually this is 30 to 60 days after submittal of the signed proof of loss. However, the policy also has a time requirement for the policy holder. Check your policy or ask you adjuster or agent about them so that you will know what to expect. Only you (the policy holder), can insist that your insurance company comply with its obligations under the policy. As professional Restoration contactors, we recommend that you do so out of our strong conviction that good workmanship and ethical business practices benefit the insured industry just as much as they benefit the public at large.