If my house happened to become damaged and a claim made with the insurance firm, could I carry out the work?

Question

If I was a skilled builder with my own sole trading company, could I inherit the work and be 'effectively paid' by my insurer to fix my own property?

Answer 1

UK answer.... can't see why not, they'd want you to get several (probably 3) quotes, of which one could be from  yourself.  

They may have preferred builders, but again if you can say I'll do it cheaper than they can, why would they argue ? Although they might want you to sign an indemnity release form saying that you are responsible for the quality fo the work

Bottom line, if you can do the same job cheaper than anyone else you're doing them a favour....

Well that's my thinking anyway.

Answer 2

In theory yes, but you would still have to submit an proper estimate for the repairs & materials, just the same as if you were obtaining a quote from a 3rd party builder.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

No.  Only an authorized 3rd party will get proper billing\compensation.  For you, it would be a settlement of less, you are now benefiting on your loss - if they would even accept it.  Normally they guarantee the repair, if you do it, they may not do that either.

Answer 5

yes. speak to your insurers. i work for a broker. they may well make a deduction on the premium they pay you out. you will have to supply a quote to them, will probably need to supply one from someone else too just to show the price is competitive.

Answer 6

Yes in MO. We had wind rip the siding off the house. Our appraiser estimated the repair costs and issued us payment. We put up new siding ourselves at a fraction of the cost. the adjuster then came out and reviewed the repairs. They did this to keep the rates lower. We used a better grade of siding than what was on there before so our rates did not go up since it added value to the house.

Answer 7

Yes, you can do the work. The insurer may have their own preferred contractor but if you can do the work competently then they should have no reason not to.

If you are able to demonstrate that you can save the Insurer some money (ie. by not charging as much in the way of labour) then it will sweeten the deal for them.

Answer 8

I'm not sure where you live as that will affect how your claim is handled, but here in Connecticut, my friend received money directly from his insurance company from a large claim.  He didn't have to give any receipts for anything.

They did hold back part of the assessed amount of damage (I can't remember the term they used for it) but if, within 6 months, he presented invoices for everything and it exceeded what he received, they would have paid him that part they withheld in the beginning.

Answer 9

Yes. The insurance company owes you for the damages (your insurance contract is between you and the insurance company) on a covered loss. The insurance company should send out an estimator or ask you to get an estimate and send into them. Regardless, you are owed the money and pay who you see fit to do the work (even if it is yourself). Just be aware they might hold back some depreciation up front but you can get that back once repairs are completed.

Good luck.