Do I Have To Use My Insurance Company’s Preferred Contractors
Can I Use My Own Contractor & Public Adjuster For Fire Damage Claims & Insurance Repairs?
My insurance company says I should use their preferred contractors for the fire damage repairs and their adjuster for the claim, but do I have to? No, you do not. Do not be bullied into thinking you have to.
Don’t think the insurance company will play nicer because you are agreeable to using their “guys”. The reality is the preferred contractor’s estimate for the work will be much lower than a public adjuster. The reason is obvious. The preferred contractor’s estimate and work are lower because they are receiving work and referrals from your insurance company.
This is not always advantageous because they cannot negotiate a better settlement on your behalf. Your insurance company has more control over what their preferred contractors say, meaning that you are not guaranteed the maximum repair payments.
Pros & Cons Of Hiring The Insurance Company’s Preferred Contractors & Fire Claims Adjuster Vs My Own
Do not be fooled into thinking that the insurance company is warranting the work of the preferred contractor. This is an old-school trick.
The insurance company adjuster will give you the impression that the insurance company is warranting the work. When pressed you will not find anything in writing nor will the adjuster put in an email that they are warranting the work of the preferred contractor.
In fact, the small print on the preferred contractor’s contract will say specifically that the insurance company is not recommending them and that you the property owner have contracted and chosen the preferred contractor. Get an attorney to always read the small print. You will also note the preferred contractor’s contract will most likely state that payments from the insurance company are to go directly to the preferred contractor, not you the property owner. They can endorse and deposit the monies with or without your approval. While not all state this, most do though.
So, although it may cost you more initially, a trusted and licensed public insurance adjuster has the knowledge and freedom that a preferred contractor and insurance claims adjuster does not. The public adjuster is obligated to you the property owner and policyholder. The public adjuster will be able to negotiate a higher settlement with your insurance company. The preferred contractor of the insurance company cannot.
So when hiring a public adjuster rather than a preferred contractor, you should be able to get 35% more out of your fire damage claim.
Public adjusters can assist you with any property damage or natural disaster claims you may have including the following:
- Fire damage claims
- Smoke damage claims
- Storm damage claims
- Explosion damage claims
- Vandalism damage claims
- Water damage claims
- Business interruptions from the damage (i.e. rental income, improvements, etc.)
For More Information & Help with Your Fire Claim & Damage Repair:
Contact Harris Claims Services, located in Lincolnwood, IL near Chicago. We are attorneys, public adjusters, and fire damage contractors (the trifecta) that WORK FOR YOU, NOT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Don’t be taken advantage of by your insurance company’s claim adjuster and preferred contractors. Contact us now. We know the claims and restoration industry like the back of our hand.
