Can I choose my own restoration contractor after an insurance claim?
Short answer: Yes. As the property owner you generally have the right to choose your own restoration contractor. Insurers may recommend a preferred vendor from their managed repair program, which can streamline paperwork, but participation is normally optional. Your contractor and the adjuster then agree on scope and pricing, typically using the same industry estimating platform.
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Call Now for Emergency Help(720) 319-807324/7 Emergency Call HandlingKey Takeaways
- Contractor choice is normally the property owner's, not the insurer's.
- Preferred vendor programs offer convenience and carrier-backed warranties, with trade-offs.
- Most restoration estimates are built in the same industry software, which makes comparison straightforward.
- Scope disagreements are resolved between your contractor and the adjuster.
- Colorado's Division of Insurance handles complaints about carrier practices.
Preferred Vendor vs Independent
- Preferred vendor: pre-negotiated pricing, simpler billing, often a carrier-backed warranty, less scope friction.
- Preferred vendor trade-off: the vendor has an ongoing relationship with the carrier, which some owners view as a conflict.
- Independent contractor: you select based on reputation and fit, and they advocate for the scope they believe is required.
- Independent trade-off: more paperwork and potentially more back-and-forth on scope.
Handling Scope Disagreements
- Get both scopes in writing, line by line.
- Have your contractor document why disputed items are necessary, with readings and photos.
- Request a re-inspection with your contractor present.
- Submit a supplement with supporting documentation.
- Escalate to the carrier's claims supervisor if needed, then to the Colorado Division of Insurance.
What To Verify About Any Contractor
- Proof of general liability insurance and workers compensation.
- Colorado business registration and any applicable local licensing for reconstruction trades.
- Written scope, not a verbal estimate.
- Whether mitigation and reconstruction are handled in house or subcontracted.
- References from recent water or fire losses in your area.
Exceptions and Important Considerations
- Emergency mitigation sometimes begins before a full scope is agreed, which is normal.
- Some policies contain managed repair endorsements that change the default; read yours.
- Mortgage companies may be named on claim checks and require their own process for release of funds.
Related Questions
They pay covered amounts per the agreed scope. Disagreements are about scope and price, not about your right to choose.
Read it carefully. It transfers claim rights to the contractor, which some owners prefer to avoid.
That is common and usually resolved through documentation and a supplement.
The Colorado Division of Insurance accepts consumer complaints.
Insurance Claim Documentation Help
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