Restoring your house as soon as possible after a tragedy occurs, whether it's fire damage from a home accident or water damage from a burst pipe, is always your top priority. Many homeowners turn to their insurance company for guidance during this stressful time. However, one decision that deserves closer consideration is whether to use the restoration company recommended by your insurer. While these “preferred contractors” may seem like the most convenient choice at the time, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides before proceeding. Below, we’ll explore the reasons why selecting your own restoration company is often a smarter and safer decision for your home.
The Unknown Relationship Between Insurance Companies and Contractors
One big concern about using an insurance-recommended restoration company is the nature of the relationship between the two parties. Insurance carriers often have prearranged agreements with certain contractors, but these agreements may not always prioritize the quality you need to fix your home. In some cases, the partnership is driven by business interests rather than merit. For example, a restoration company could be selected due to a personal connection with the insurer rather than their proven expertise. This raises the question: are they recommended because they’re the best for the job or because they have a favorable arrangement with the insurance company?
Contractor’s Loyalty May Not Be to You
When working with a preferred contractor from your insurance, it’s important to understand where their loyalty actually lies. These companies are often under a ton of pressure to meet the insurance carrier’s budgetary constraints rather than focusing solely on providing the highest-quality repairs for you. To keep the insurer happy, contractors may cut corners, use lower-quality materials, or skip certain necessary repairs. While this approach helps the insurance company save money, it can leave you with a subpar restoration job that might not fully address the damage to your home.
Again, your insurance provider’s primary goal is to minimize claims payouts, which can directly influence the work completed by a preferred contractor, which may, unfortunately, result in critical repairs being overlooked or omitted from the estimate entirely. For instance, code upgrades, structural reinforcements, or hidden damage repairs that should be covered under your policy may not be prioritized. According to EMC Security, Water damage accounts for one out of five claims to insurers, which tallies its way up to $13 billion per year, and minimizing these costs is often their focus. By choosing your own restoration company, you can ensure that every aspect of the damage is addressed thoroughly.
Preferred Contractors May Offer Limited Attention
Preferred contractors often have a steady stream of work due to their partnerships with insurance companies, meaning they may not give your project the personalized care and attention it deserves. With less incentive to earn your business, these companies might treat you like just another claim number. Independent restoration companies, on the other hand, rely on customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals to build their reputation. This means they are more likely to provide excellent service and keep you informed every step of the way.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Even the best contractors can encounter issues or oversights, but when you’re locked into working with a preferred contractor, your options for resolution may be limited. If repairs are incomplete or done incorrectly, resolving the issue could become more complicated due to the contractor’s obligation to the insurance company rather than to you. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:
By choosing an independent restoration company like New Method Restoration, you retain control of the process, ensuring your concerns are handled promptly and effectively.
Take Control of Your Home Restoration
As a homeowner, you have the right to choose who restores your home after a disaster. Opting for an independent restoration company gives you greater control, ensures quality repairs, and prioritizes your needs—not the insurer’s bottom line. At New Method Restoration, we understand the importance of putting homeowners first. Our experienced team offers 24/7 emergency restoration services and works directly with you to provide comprehensive solutions that restore your home and peace of mind.
📞 Call us today at 888-898-1768 or visit newmethodrestoration.com to schedule a consultation. Don’t settle for less—choose the restoration company that puts your home first.
a water restoration Project Manager will be dispatched within minutes to assess your water damages
our specialized equipment and technicians will begin water remediation
your Project Manager will continue to work with you to ensure proper sanitization and that all expectations are met or exceeded.
