Home Insurance Claim Experience
During my home insurance claim process, the first thing my insurance adjuster asked was whether I preferred to use my own contractors or theirs. I opted to go with my own—and I’ve remained committed to that decision. I’ve fulfilled all their requests, including gathering multiple quotes from contractors for cost comparison.
However, my insurance adjuster is now refusing to accept or approve the quotes I’ve provided because they don’t align with the adjuster’s very low estimates, which are significantly lower than what I’ve received from legitimate contractors. Instead, the adjuster obtained a quote from their preferred contractor—a personal acquaintance they trust. This feels a bit like they’re saying, “I won’t accept your contractor’s quotes because I haven’t worked with them before.”
To make matters worse, I never approved this quote, and the adjuster assigned costs for repairs without even inspecting the damage. Unsurprisingly, this quote aligns almost perfectly with the adjuster’s estimate. The preferred contractor even mentioned, over the phone, that they would do the repairs at the price set by the adjuster.
I’m feeling frustrated and unsure of my rights regarding my choice to work with my own contractors. Why was I given a choice if the adjuster is only considering their own contractor’s quotes? I live in Utah, and something seems off about this entire process. What can I do to ensure I can work with my own contractors and receive a fair payout that matches their estimates?
It sounds like you’re facing a frustrating situation with your insurance claim. Here are some steps you can take to advocate for your rights and work toward a resolution that allows you to use your preferred contractors:
Review Your Policy: Start by reviewing your home insurance policy to understand the terms related to contractor selection and claims processing. Policies often include provisions that allow you to choose your contractors, but there may also be stipulations about cost approvals.
Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications with your insurance adjuster, including dates, times, and details of conversations. Document any discrepancies between the quotes you’ve received and the adjuster’s estimates. This documentation will be useful if you need to escalate your case.
Request a Reassessment: Politely request a reassessment of the damage from your adjuster. You can ask for a second opinion based on the multiple quotes you’ve gathered from contractors. Emphasize that these contractors have assessed the damage and provided fair estimates for the work needed.
File a Formal Appeal: If your adjuster’s decisions continue to seem unfair, consider filing a formal appeal with the insurance company. Specify your reasons and provide supporting evidence from your contractors’ estimates that justify the costs for repairs.
Contact State Insurance Department: If you believe the adjuster is acting unethically or not in accordance with Utah state regulations, consider reaching out to the Utah Department of Insurance. They can provide guidance on the situation and may even intervene on your behalf.
Legal Advice: If the situation does not improve, you may want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide personalized legal advice based on your specific circumstances and help you understand your rights and options under Utah law.
Consider a Public Adjuster: If you are still having trouble resolving the issue, you might want to consider hiring a public adjuster. They work on behalf of the policyholder and can help negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
It’s important to stand firm on your right to choose your contractors while keeping polite and professional communication with your insurance company. Good luck!