05/14/2026
After a home insurance claim, choosing the right contractor can make a huge difference in how smoothly the repairs go and whether the work is done correctly. Here are some of the biggest things to look for and watch out for:
Look for a Contractor with Experience With Insurance Claims
A contractor familiar with claims work understands:
• Insurance estimates
• Supplements
• Scope of repairs
• Depreciation and recoverable depreciation
• Documentation/photos needed
They tend to communicate better with adjusters and help avoid delays.
Get Multiple Estimates
Try to get at least 2–3 estimates. Compare:
• Scope of work
• Materials being used
• Timeline
• Warranty
• Payment schedule
• Are they insured should something go wrong. Ask them to provide a certificate of insurance and call the carrier to confirm the policy is still in force.
The cheapest bid is not always the best. Extremely low estimates can mean shortcuts or future change orders.
Read Reviews Carefully
Look at:
• Google reviews
• Facebook community pages
• Neighborhood groups (Nextdoor)
Pay attention to:
• Communication issues
• Missed deadlines
• Warranty problems
• Complaints about surprise charges
Consistent patterns matter more than one bad review.
Never Pay Large Amounts Up Front
Typical red flags:
• Demanding full payment before work starts
• Cash-only requests
• High-pressure tactics
A normal structure is:
• Small deposit
• Progress/Draw payment schedule
• Final payment after completion
Be Careful With “Storm Chasers”
After large storms, out-of-town contractors often appear quickly. Some are legitimate, but warning signs include:
• Door-to-door pressure
• “We’ll waive your deductible”
• No local office
• No references
• Asking you to sign immediately
In Texas, offering to absorb or waive deductibles is illegal insurance fraud.
Read the Contract Thoroughly
The contract should clearly include:
• Detailed scope of work
• Materials/specifications
• Timeline
• Payment schedule
• Permit responsibility
• Change order process
• Cleanup expectations
Avoid vague contracts with little detail.
Ask Who Will Actually Be Doing the Work
Some companies sell the job and subcontract everything out. Ask:
• Who supervises the project?
• Are crews employees or subs?
• Who is my point of contact?
Do Not Sign Over Insurance Checks Blindly
Avoid signing:
• “Assignment of Benefits” agreements unless you fully understand them
• Open-ended contracts allowing unlimited supplements
Maintain control of claim funds when possible.
Document Everything
Keep:
• Photos before/during/after
• Emails/texts
• Receipts
• Contracts
• Change orders
This protects you if disputes arise.
Questions Worth Asking
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you specialize in insurance restoration?
• Can you provide recent references?
• Who handles supplements with insurance?
• What happens if hidden damage is found?
• What is your estimated timeline?
• Are you using subcontractors?
• What warranty do you provide?
Major Red Flags
Avoid contractors who:
• Pressure you to sign immediately
• Ask for full payment up front
• Cannot provide insurance
• Have no physical business address
• Want to “work around insurance”
• Offer to waive deductibles
• Refuse written contracts
• Have lots of unresolved complaints
