Your Rights Under Your Insurance Policy (Continued)

• You are not required to accept the lowest bidder. Nowhere in your policy do the words "cheapest', "low", or "lowest price' occur.

• Repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work of good quality.  Volume discount rates given to insurance companies by so called "Preferred Contractors" do not establish the going rate in your area, and you are not obligated to select a "Preferred Contractor.  In fact "Preferred Contractors" often have pre-existing contracts with your insurance company that can greatly impact your claim.  If your insurance company wants to send a "Preferred Contractor" to your home, ask them if they already have a contract with that company, and then ask yourself "If I select them, will I really be the customer?"

• You are entitled to receive a detailed listing of the scope or repairs and quantities of materials to be provided, before work begins.

• Provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible.

• You are entitled to and should reject any estimate or contract that does not incorporate all federal, state, and local requirements for residential construction work.

• You must be familiar with these requirements in order to enjoy the protection the law provides. Contact a Professional Restoration Contractor for this important information.

• You are entitled to select a firm who can demonstrate skill and experience in insurance damage repair as a full time professional service.

• Ask for references, credentials, and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work or new home construction.  A leopard can't change his spots; the way others have been treated is likely the way you will be treated!

• If substantial disagreement arises between you and the insurance company over the amount of the loss, you are entitled to request arbitration (appraisal) as described under the terms of the policy without resorting to lawsuit.  This is known as invoking the appraisal clause.

• The insurance company is also entitled to this provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, regardless of whether or not you have received advanced payments.

• You are entitled to receive payment from the insurance company within the time specified by the policy and your state insurance regulations, which are designed to prevent insurance companies from using delay and personal hardship to compel a lower settlement.

• The policy also has time requirements for the policyholder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim. Ask your adjuster about these requirements at the outset so that you can be in compliance.