Do I Have to Use My Insurance’s Contractor?

In the aftermath of a disaster that damages your home, your world can feel like it’s been turned upside down. It’s an already chaotic situation with countless questions and moving parts – and then a proposal from your insurance company arrives, with the name of a contractor you’ve likely never heard of before. Questions run through your mind: “Who is this contractor?” “Why did my insurer choose them?” And, of course: “Do I have to use my insurance’s contractor?”

The simple answer is no. You are not required to use the contractor your insurance company suggests. Think of them as a “preferred contractor,” not a mandatory one. They have an established relationship with your insurer, which allows for an efficient, streamlined process for the insurance company.

In other words, the preferred contractor is the best option for your insurance company. But are they the best option for you? That’s another question entirely.

Pros and Cons of Using Your Insurance Company’s Preferred Contractor

The right choice depends entirely on your unique situation and what you value most in the restoration process. You shouldn’t automatically accept the preferred contractor, but you also shouldn’t reject them out of hand simply because the insurance company recommended them.

The key is to understand the trade-offs. 

By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that’s right for your home and your peace of mind.

Benefits of Using Your Insurance’s Contractor

• Less Legwork: When you’re already managing so much, the thought of vetting contractors, checking references, and comparing bids can be exhausting. Using the preferred contractor removes this burden, saving you precious time and energy during an incredibly stressful period.
• Easy Billing: The financial side is often simplified. The preferred contractor typically bills the insurance company directly, sparing you from acting as the middleman, navigating complex invoices, and waiting for reimbursements.
• Reliable Service: You can be confident that any contractor in an insurer’s network has been vetted. They are licensed, insured, and capable of completing the work to the industry standard. Your insurance company trusts them to get the job done, and generally, they will.

Drawbacks of Using Your Insurance’s Recommended Contractor

• Unreliable Quality: While the preferred contractor is working on your home, their primary business relationship is with the insurance company. The insurer’s goal is to close the claim efficiently and control costs. The contractor’s goal is to maintain that valuable relationship. This can create a conflict of interest where speed and budget are prioritized over meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality materials, leaving you with a repair that’s merely “good enough.”
• Lack of Recourse: If a problem arises with the quality of the work, you may find yourself caught in the middle. Is the contractor responsible, or is the insurance company? Since you didn’t hire the contractor directly, your leverage to demand a correction can be limited. The lines of accountability can become blurred, leaving you to fight a battle on two fronts.
• No Personalized Choices: A disaster restoration is often seen as a chance to make small improvements or changes. Perhaps you wanted a different style of flooring or a higher grade of cabinetry. A preferred contractor’s scope of work is almost always limited to restoring your home to its exact “pre-loss condition” using standard, cost-effective materials. They are not there to explore options with you; they are there to complete a specific task list as quickly as possible.

Should You Use an Insurance-Recommended Restoration Contractor?

You don’t have to use your insurance’s preferred contractor, but should you? Ultimately, the decision is yours. If your primary goal is to resolve the situation with the least amount of personal effort and you are comfortable with a standard-quality repair, then using your insurance company’s preferred contractor may be the perfect solution.

However, if your home is your sanctuary and you care deeply about the quality of the restoration, the materials used, and the craftsmanship involved, it is almost always worth the extra effort to find a contractor who works for you.

What Should You Look for in a Restoration Contractor?

Finding the right partner to rebuild your home means finding a team that combines technical expertise with a genuine commitment to your well-being. This is the standard we set for ourselves at BCC Restoration, and it’s what you should demand from any contractor you consider.

• Industry-Leading Certifications: A proper restoration requires specialized knowledge. That’s why our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s your assurance that we are masters of our craft, using the latest, most effective techniques to handle fire, smoke, and water damage correctly and safely.
• Specialized, Local Experience: A general contractor is not a restoration specialist. We focus exclusively on helping homeowners in the Vancouver WA and Portland OR area recover from disasters. We understand the specific challenges our community faces and have a proven portfolio of restoring homes just like yours from the damage you’re facing now.
• Insurance Claim Fluency: Navigating an insurance claim is a job in itself. Our team is fluent in the language of insurance. We use Xactimate—the same professional estimating software used by nearly every major insurance carrier—to create a detailed, line-item scope of work. This ensures that our estimates are accurate, fair, and formatted in a way your adjuster understands, which eliminates unnecessary delays.
• An Unwavering Commitment to You: Above all, you need an advocate. As a local Vancouver WA and Portland OR company, our reputation is built on the trust of our neighbors. Our primary allegiance is not to an insurance carrier; it’s to you. We fight to ensure the work is done right, using quality materials and refusing to cut corners, because our name is on the finished product.

How Do You Get Your Insurance Company to Approve Your Preferred Contractor?

Many homeowners worry that choosing their own contractor will create a difficult, drawn-out battle with their insurance company. For them, the simplicity of the preferred contractor is worth the trade-off.

With BCC Restoration, you don’t have to make that trade-off. We manage the entire insurance approval process for you, turning a potentially stressful task into a seamless experience. Our role is to be your expert advocate from start to finish.

1. Thorough On-Site Inspection and Documentation: We begin by conducting a comprehensive inspection of the damage, using moisture meters, thermal cameras, and other tools to uncover all affected areas—even those hidden from the naked eye. We meticulously document our findings with photos and notes to build a rock-solid case for the necessary repairs.
2. Creating a Professional, Detailed Estimate: Using our findings and the Xactimate software, we create a precise, line-item estimate for the restoration. This isn’t just a number on a page; it’s a detailed blueprint that justifies every step of the restoration process, from demolition to the final coat of paint.
3. Direct Submission and Communication: We submit the estimate and all supporting documentation directly to your insurance adjuster. From that point on, we handle the phone calls, emails, and follow-ups. You are kept informed at every stage, but you are freed from the burden of managing the back-and-forth.
4. Advocating for a Complete Restoration: This is where a true partner proves their worth. If an adjuster’s initial scope of work overlooks a crucial step or underestimates the cost, we don’t just accept it. We professionally and persistently advocate on your behalf, providing the evidence and expert rationale needed to get the full scope of repairs approved. We work for you to ensure you get everything you are entitled to under your policy.

Call Us When You Need Restoration Services Done Right

You have a choice when it comes to restoring your home, and that choice matters. While the path of least resistance may seem appealing, you only have one chance to make things right.

At BCC Restoration, we believe you deserve a team that is 100% in your corner. While we may not be on your insurer’s preferred list, we work with all insurance companies on a regular basis. The difference is, our primary commitment is to you, the homeowner.

Whether you need fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, mold mitigation, or sewage cleanup, we’ll advocate for you, using our extensive experience to navigate the complexities of the claims process and deliver the highest quality restoration possible.

If you need a partner who will put your home and your family first, contact BCC Restoration.