Does my insurance cover damage when a contractor wrecks my home?

When a disaster hits and your home is damaged, the only thing you should have to worry about is necessary repairs – not vetting questionable contractors. Here are five quick and easy steps to protect yourself from faulty contractors and scams.

1. Initiate the claims process with your insurance company immediately.

This way, you’ll be interacting with a claims representative from a company you know
has your back.

2. Request quotes from several licensed and insured contractors in your area.

Crowdsourcing contractors that have worked for your friends and neighbors in the past is
an easy way to ensure their legitimacy without having to do additional research of your
own. Angi (formerly Angie’s List) is also a trusted online search service site that lists
certified professionals by specialty and location so you know they have been vetted and
trusted by others.

3. Be patient and don’t rush your decision.

Educate yourself on each step in the claims process to understand how insurance will
apply to your loss and avoid paying for some repairs out of pocket. You deserve to put
extra attention to detail into matters concerning your home.

4. Use common sense.

If the estimate is too good to be true, it probably is. If the contractor offers to undercut
your insurance carrier to get you a better deal, what does that say about their ethics?
Will that carry over to the way they treat your home? It’s always best to take the safest
option and feel 100% confident in your decision.

5. Don’t pay in full until you are completely satisfied with the work done.

The work being done for you should meet your expectations as well as local and state
building codes before you pay.

It is very important to work with an insurance agent and company that you trust to avoid scams
at all costs. Before you pay for a contractor service, talk with your agent to discuss risks and
understand the claims process. If you don’t, it may end up costing you and your home in the end.