Insurance Preferred Contractor Won’t Share Scope of Work
I’m not sure if I’m framing this correctly, but we recently experienced a fire at our home and chose to work with an insurance-preferred contractor. While they’ve created a scope of work and are currently discussing it with our adjuster, my family and I feel completely in the dark about what repairs are actually needed. Is this typical practice? Shouldn’t the contractor be communicating with us first? I’m concerned that, being tied to the insurance company, they might overlook important aspects of the repairs.
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the situation, especially after such a traumatic event like a fire. While it’s common for insurance companies to work with preferred contractors, communication should still be prioritized.
Typically, a good contractor should discuss the scope of work with you, as it’s your home and you have the right to be informed about what repairs are necessary. If you’re being left in the dark, you might consider taking a few steps:
Request a Meeting: Ask the contractor to explain the scope of work to you directly. It’s important for you to understand what repairs will be made and the reasoning behind them.
Involve Your Adjuster: Reach out to your insurance adjuster and express your concerns. They may be able to facilitate better communication between you and the contractor.
Get a Second Opinion: If you’re unhappy with the responses from the preferred contractor, you might want to consult another contractor for a second opinion on the repairs needed.
Verify Coverage: Ensure that all necessary repairs are covered by your policy. Make sure the contractor is aware of what’s included in your coverage to avoid any surprises later.
Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, scopes of work, and any agreements made. This may be helpful if disputes arise later.
Your home is your sanctuary, and you deserve to have a complete understanding of the repairs that will be made. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself to ensure everything is handled properly.