Picking a Restoration Contractor Who Knows Insurance

Restoration is not remodeling

A restoration contractor specializes in insurance repair work. They know Xactimate line items and pricing. They know how to write supplements that get approved.

They're used to working with adjusters, documenting hidden damage, and navigating the claim timeline. A remodeling contractor builds beautiful kitchens but may not know the difference between ACV and RCV. For an insurance claim, industry knowledge matters as much as craftsmanship.

Maybe more.

The credentials that actually matter

<a href="https://iicrc. org" target="_blank">IICRC certification</a> is the industry standard for water damage, fire damage, and mold remediationMold After Water Damage: What the Estimate Almost Never IncludesWe didn't think about mold until three weeks after our water damage, when the musty smell wouldn't go away. By then it had spread behind the cabine...
Read more →. It means the contractor has been trained in proper restoration protocols.

Beyond that, verify their general contractorGC or Handyman: How to Know Which One Your Repair NeedsThe line between a handyman job and a general contractor job isn't about the size of the repair. It's about the number of trades. One trade, a hand...
Read more → license with your state licensing board, confirm they carry both general liability and workers compensation insurance, and check for complaints with the BBB and your state's contractor board. Ask for references specifically from insurance repair projects, not remodels.

Red flags that should end the conversation

Large upfront payments before any work starts. Pressure to sign an Assignment of Benefits without a clear explanation of what you're giving up. Door-to-door solicitation right after a storm.

A lump-sum bid with no line-item breakdown. No proof of insurance or license when asked. Inability to explain the repair process in plain language.

Any one of these is enough to move on. Don't hesitate.

How the right contractor saves you money

A good restoration contractor inspects your damage and produces a detailed Xactimate estimate you can compare directly to your insurance estimate. They spot items the adjuster missed. They document hidden damage properly when it's discovered during demolition.

They file supplements with the right photos and justification. This is where the gap between a $14,000 insurance estimate and a $22,000 actual repair cost gets closed.

Do not just pick the lowest bid

The lowest bid usually means the shortest scope. That contractor isn't pricing the work your home actually needs. Get estimates from at least three restoration contractors.

Ask each one to walk you through their estimate and explain the differences from the insurance scope. Choose the one who communicates clearly, provides the most thorough scope, and demonstrates real experience with the insurance process.