How does the insurance company handle depreciation?

Answer: the insurance company pays the depreciated value after the job is completed.

Is your contractor’s estimate compatible with the insurance company’s way of estimating?

Insurance companies software programs estimate everything on a line by line item. The cost of the repaired items is automatically calculated based on a national average or by region. If the contractor doesn’t use estimating software that is based on the same calculations, more than likely it will be rejected by the insurance company, and asked that it be revised. This will only delay things, putting your repairs off until a settlement is reached.

Do you deal with the insurance company directly?

Most contractors that do insurance work would rather deal directly with the adjuster. They have the knowledge to communicate any concerns, or missing or overlooked items on the adjusters claim form. Reputable and knowledgeable contractor will communicate to the insurance companies that any hidden damage will increase the amount of the claim.

Ask for references. Don’t be afraid to ask for phone numbers and address of the contractors past two jobs.

Ask for a copy of their business license and liability insurance.

Most contractors can call their insurance carrier and have a copy emailed to you, or they can give you the agents name and number.

Who will do the work and who will supervise?

The best answer is, we do the work. If your contractor has his own crews, he can ultimately control the quality of the work. If he uses all sub-contractors make sure that he intends to either supervise the contractors himself, or has a superintendent that will be there to oversee the job.