Homeowners Insurance Claim: Can I Do the Work Myself?

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence is Here to Help. We are the true professionals of the county, and we are here to make sure your claim is handled right.

A lot of homeowners, when they see a huge water, fire or mold loss, can become extremely overwhelmed with cost. But if you are not a true professional--- can you do the work yourself? Allow SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties to go over the basics.

While doing the work yourself sounds tempting…there is no guarantee that you will save money. Especially if you happen to make a mistake.

Most insurance companies will allow you to perform the work yourself…but the claim is handled slightly differently than if a professional company does the work. The insurance carrier may want more supervision and contact with you if you choose to perform the work yourself. Value Penguin also points out another problem you may encounter…” another concern is whether it is legal for you to do the repairs at all. Depending on the seriousness of the damage and the laws where you live, you may be required to get a permit from your city or have a license to do the necessary repairs.”

Insurance carriers may also suggest a specific restoration company to use. Understand, as the homeowner, you are entitled to choose any restoration company of your liking. Insurance carriers sometime have relationships with mitigation companies, and they might not be suggesting the company based on your best interests.

Claims adjusters can also have an impact on this decision. A claims adjuster can suggest a mitigation company to the insurance agent. Remember, a claims adjuster’s main job is to validate the claim and mitigate the amount of money paid out. If a claims adjuster knows of a carrier that is habitually more affordable…they may be a deciding factor for their suggestion. Just remember---the homeowner makes the decision and the insurance company must pay for the company the homeowner chooses. 

If your Hermitage home has suffered from a fire, water, mold or storm damage claim, SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties is Here to Help. We are the true professionals of the county, and we are here to make sure your claim is handled right. We are detail oriented, help you with your claim from start to finish, and will make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (724) 704-8939 or visit our Facebook page for more commonly asked questions. We’re always “Here to Help.”