Question by Independent_guy: Home Insurance Claim due to Tornado damage: will insurance company agree to pay me instead of contractor?
Hi, will the insurance company agree to pay me say $ 5,000 instead of paying the contractor directly, and allow me to hire someone else? How does it work technically? I get $ 5,000, then if I am able to find contractor I like for less say $ 4,000, I get to keep the rest!? (pls assume example of $ 5,000 is based on a quote insurance company got from a contractor) THANKS.
Best answer:
Answer by Ginger
Yes, you may choose to do your own repairs. The estimates the contractor provides are just that, estimates.
Be aware though that the insurance company may only pay you a partial payment until all work is completed. Once the work is totally done you will receive the remainder of the replacement costs.
Make SURE you go with a contractor who is licensed and insured. There are way too many out there who take your money and leave you with unfinished work. Get referrals from your agent and ask the contractor for names of clients he has done work for before. Be sure to call those clients.
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