
Becoming an insurance claim contractor can be a lucrative and rewarding career path. You'll need to have a solid understanding of the process and requirements to succeed.
To start, you'll typically need to have a contractor's license and a good reputation in your community. This will help you build trust with clients and insurance companies.
It's essential to have a clear understanding of the insurance claims process, which can be complex and time-consuming. This includes knowing how to navigate the paperwork and communication with insurance adjusters.
A strong work ethic and attention to detail are also crucial for success in this field. You'll need to be able to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Choosing a Handler
Homeowners need to be careful when selecting an insurance claim contractor, as they may not have your best interests in mind.
An insurance claim contractor may take advantage of homeowners during a stressful time, so it's essential to make a clear-headed decision about who to hire.
Do your research and choose a licensed, reputable, and insured insurance claim contractor.
Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their quality of work and customer service.
Selecting the right contractor can make a big difference in the outcome of your insurance claim.
Getting Paid for Claims

As an insurance claim contractor, getting paid for your work is a top priority. You can expect to receive payment from the insurance company within 30 to 60 days after submitting your claim.
Insurance companies typically pay contractors a percentage of the total claim amount, which is usually between 50% to 80%. This percentage can vary depending on the type of claim and the insurance company's policies.
A standard payment schedule for contractors includes a deposit payment of 50% upon completion of the initial work, followed by a final payment of 25% after all work is completed and inspected. The remaining 25% is then paid after the insurance company's adjuster has inspected the work and confirmed its quality.
Contractors should also be aware that some insurance companies may require additional documentation or approvals before releasing payment.
Estimating and Contracting
Get multiple insurance claim contractor estimates to ensure a fair price for the work. This will also give you a better idea of what the average cost of the project should be.

A detailed, written estimate is essential. It should contain details about the work to be done and include a breakdown of material and labor costs.
Not all general contractors are willing to perform insurance restoration projects, so make sure they're aware of the claim before inviting them to bid. This will help you avoid any issues down the line.
Your contractor should provide a complete work agreement and contract with all the terms laid out once the adjuster gives you approval of the budget. This will ensure everyone is on the same page.
The contractor can handle all aspects of the insurance claim, making the process much easier for you. This includes assessing damages, creating a detailed scope of work, and obtaining necessary permits.
Make sure you don't sign any contracts or pay anything to the contractor until your adjuster lets you know your claim has been approved for the amount you need. This will protect you from any potential issues.
Contracting Options

When choosing an insurance claim contractor, you have several options to consider.
You can hire a contractor directly, which can be a cost-effective option, but be aware that you'll need to handle all the paperwork and communication with the insurance company yourself.
Some insurance companies have a list of pre-approved contractors that you can choose from, which can make the process easier and faster. These contractors have already been vetted by the insurance company and have experience working with their claims process.
You can also consider hiring a contractor through an online platform, which can give you access to a wider pool of contractors and make it easier to compare prices and services.
Change-Orders
When dealing with change-orders, it's essential to have a clear understanding of how your contractor will handle them. Discuss with each contractor how they plan to handle ‘change-orders’ or things that arise during construction that weren’t included in their bid.

You'll want to determine if these extras will be covered by your insurance adjuster or fall on you to pay for. Sometimes, homeowners decide they want to do other projects around the house while taking care of the insurance claim work.
Make sure to have the contractor provide you a separate bid for this; do not have them include this in the main bid that you need for your insurance claim. This will help you stay organized and avoid any confusion down the line.
Contact NMG Contracting
If you're in Omaha and need a contractor to handle your insurance claim, NMG Contracting is a great option. Their team of experienced professionals understands the insurance claim process inside and out.
Dealing with an insurance claim can be overwhelming, but NMG Contracting aims to take the burden off your shoulders and handle all aspects of the claim on your behalf.
Their knowledge and expertise ensure that all aspects of the insurance claim handling process are taken care of, from the initial filing to the final resolution.

NMG Contracting prides itself on effective communication with both insurance companies and clients, providing a smooth and stress-free process.
Their ability to communicate effectively with insurance companies helps to ensure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently.
If you're in need of a general contractor in Omaha for your insurance claim, look no further than NMG Contracting.
Benefits of Using a General Contractor
Working with a general contractor can be a game-changer when it comes to navigating the insurance claim process.
Their expertise in the construction industry is unmatched, allowing them to accurately estimate repair costs and ensure a fair settlement from your insurance company.
A contractor can help expedite the insurance claim process, quickly assessing damages and obtaining necessary permits to get your property back on track.
This eliminates the need to search for multiple professionals, such as an adjuster, contractor, and engineer, making the process much easier for you.
By handling all aspects of the insurance claim, a contractor can minimize the stress and hassle of the claims process, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Filing and Maintaining Records

Filing and maintaining records is a crucial step in navigating an insurance claim against a contractor. It's essential to keep all relevant documents in one safe place to avoid miscommunications and ensure a smooth claims process.
Before filing a claim, review the contractor's agreement and contract to understand the terms and any potential liabilities. This will help you identify any issues that may be covered under the insurance policy.
To maintain accurate records, keep a folder or digital file with all relevant documents, including the contractor agreement, building plans, payment records, and insurance company communications. This will help you track progress and recall details from the past.
Important documents to keep safe include contractor agreements, building plans, payment records, material receipts, and insurance company communications. These documents will serve as evidence of the contractor's shortcomings and the insurance company's involvement.
Here's a list of essential documents to keep safe:
- Contractor agreement
- Building plans
- Payment records or canceled checks
- Material receipts, bills & invoices
- Insurance company communications
- Payment schedules
- Work scope
- Insurance certificates
By keeping these records organized, you'll be better equipped to handle any disputes or issues that may arise during the claims process.
Public Adjusters and Providers

Public Adjusters can be a valuable resource for homeowners dealing with insurance claims. They're well-versed in insurance company procedures and can help you negotiate for a higher settlement amount.
Insurance companies have the final say in the amount they'll pay to settle a claim, but Public Adjusters can help you make a strong case for a higher payment. For example, if an insurance company is only willing to pay $5,000 for new cabinets, but a contractor bid $8,000, a Public Adjuster can help you explain why you need a higher settlement amount.
You'll need to pay a Public Adjuster a fee for their services, which can be a percentage of the entire claim. Be sure to ask about their fee upfront to avoid any surprises.
Public Adjusters
You can hire a Public Adjuster to help you negotiate with your insurance company if you feel like their offer is too low. They can help explain why you need a higher settlement amount.

A Public Adjuster is generally well-versed in how to deal with insurance companies. They can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.
You'll have to pay a Public Adjuster their fee for helping with your claim, which can be a percentage of the entire claim. This can become costly, so be sure to ask about their fee upfront.
A Public Adjuster can help you navigate the claims process and advocate for your needs. They can work with your insurance company to ensure a successful outcome.
6 Questions
When hiring a contractor to help with your insurance claim, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you're working with a reputable and reliable professional.
Ask your contractor to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. One of the most crucial questions to ask is what their experience is with insurance claims specifically. This will give you an idea of their level of expertise and how well they understand the process.

Another important question to ask is what services they offer and how they can help you navigate the insurance claims process. This will help you understand what you can expect from them and how they can assist you.
You should also ask your contractor to provide you with references from previous clients who have worked with them on insurance claims. This will give you an idea of their reputation and the level of satisfaction their past clients have had with their services.
In addition to asking for references, you should also ask your contractor to provide you with a detailed breakdown of their fees and how they will be paid. This will help you understand the costs involved and what you can expect to pay for their services.
Asking your contractor to provide you with a timeline for completing the insurance claim process is also a good idea. This will help you understand how long the process will take and what you can expect in terms of progress.
Asking the right questions can make all the difference when hiring a contractor to help with your insurance claim. By asking for references, a detailed breakdown of fees, and a timeline for completion, you can ensure you're working with a reputable and reliable professional.
Avoiding Common Issues

Waiting too long to file a claim can make it harder to prove your losses, so it's essential to act quickly.
Not understanding your policy is a common mistake that can cost you time and money. Review your policy carefully to understand your coverage and deductibles.
Failing to document the damage can lead to disputes and delays. Take photos and videos of the damage before you begin any repairs, and keep track of all expenses.
Hiring the wrong contractor can be a costly mistake. Make sure you hire a reputable contractor with experience in insurance claims handling.
Read Fine Print, Get Insurer Approval
Reading the fine print in a contract is crucial before making a commitment. This ensures you understand the terms and conditions.
Obtaining approval from your insurance adjuster is also essential. They can discuss estimates with your contractor to ensure everything is in order.
Reading the fine print and getting insurer approval can save you from costly mistakes. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in the long run.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Waiting too long to file a claim can make it harder to prove your losses, so don't put it off.
Not understanding your policy is a costly mistake, so review it carefully and know your coverage and deductibles.
Failing to document the damage can lead to disputes over what was actually damaged, so take photos and videos before repairs and keep track of all expenses.
Hiring the wrong contractor can lead to subpar work and more headaches, so make sure to hire a reputable one with experience in insurance claims handling.
Effective communication is key to a smooth claim process, so keep your contractor, insurance adjuster, and other parties informed of any developments or changes.
Disaster Recovery and Restoration
In an emergency, it's essential to hire a restoration contractor to solve the most pressing issue, such as dealing with smoke, water intrusion, or a roof leaking. They are trained and experienced in performing the mitigation work needed to address the issue and prevent further damage.
Restoration contractors are generally available on short notice and have specialized equipment and certifications to handle hazardous work like removing mold, asbestos, or lead paint. They are also accustomed to working with insurance companies and can supply necessary documentation.
When choosing a restoration contractor, make sure they are willing to deal with your insurance company and wait on them for payment. Some restoration contractors also offer rebuilding services, but it's often better to find a quality general contractor for major projects over $10,000, as they specialize in construction and can perform the work to a higher quality standard.
Restoration vs. General
Restoration contractors are trained to handle immediate, urgent work after a disaster, such as removing mold, asbestos, or lead paint.
They are generally available on short notice and have specialized equipment and certifications to perform hazardous work.
Restoration contractors might quickly remove and discard water-soaked areas to prevent mold growth, or bring in air-scrubbers to filter the air from smoke damage.
They are usually accustomed to working with insurance companies, but make sure the company you choose is willing to deal with your insurance company and supply necessary documentation.
In fact, some restoration contractors also offer rebuilding services, but it's often better to find a quality general contractor for major projects that include flooring, cabinetry, roofing, etc.
General contractors specialize in construction and are more likely to perform work to a higher quality standard, especially for projects over $10,000.
Restoration and remediation professionals often have to deal with insurance companies that refuse to pay for the full value of their work, which is where Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. can help.
Disaster Recovery
After a disaster, it's essential to be cautious when dealing with contractors who go door-to-door. Many of them are not legitimate.
Let them know that you have homeowners insurance but are willing to consider written estimates from licensed contractors. This can help you avoid scams.

A general contractor can be a huge help when handling an insurance claim. They have expertise in the construction industry and experience dealing with insurance adjusters.
A contractor can quickly assess damages, create a detailed scope of work, and obtain necessary permits. This helps speed up the repair process and minimizes the time your property is out of commission.
Working with a contractor eliminates the need to search for multiple professionals, such as an adjuster, contractor, and engineer. The contractor can handle all aspects of the insurance claim, making the process much easier for you.
Their expertise can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement from your insurance company.
Cost Comparison
Start by reviewing three bids that are accurate and comparable, also known as apples-to-apples. This will give you a solid foundation to compare prices.
Ideally, all your bids should be somewhat similar in price, within 10-15% of each other. This is a good rule of thumb to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Bids that seem way higher or way lower than the others might be a red flag. This could indicate that the contractor is either missing something or anticipating using cheaper materials.
If all your bids vary widely, consider getting one or two more to see if they come in closer to the median cost. This will give you a better understanding of the market.
It's a good idea to ask your insurer if they need just one bid or multiple bids. This will help you determine how many bids to submit.
If your insurer only expects one bid, send them the bid from your favorite contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the insurance company pay me or the contractor?
Your insurance company may pay the contractor directly, but you'll need to sign a 'direction to pay' form to authorize this
Can a contractor be an insurance adjuster?
No, a contractor cannot be an insurance adjuster, as it's considered the unauthorized practice of public adjusting. They can repair your property, but not handle insurance claims.
How to endorse an insurance check to a contractor?
To endorse an insurance check to a contractor, sign the back of the check exactly as the contractor's name appears on the front, matching the spelling and punctuation. This ensures a smooth and secure payment process for the contractor.
Sources
- https://thekrfirm.com/contractor-insurance-claims/
- https://manning-law.com/insurance-claim-contractor-what-to-avoid-consider/
- https://www.greatbuildz.com/blog/contractors-home-insurance-claim/
- https://www.avnergat.com/insurance-claim-contractor/
- https://www.nmgcontracting.com/advantages-of-working-with-a-contractor-for-insurance-claims/
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