Is it legal to file a home owner insurance claim and then do the work on your own?

[Arkitech]

I have damage to my roof caused by hail. I didn't realize that there was a leak until recently and as a result I have drywall and other water damage. Would it be legal to file a claim and complete the work on my own? Or do I have to use a contractor?


This is my first time actually needing to file a claim and I'm trying to get a little information.

 

[Fardringle]

Ask your insurance agent. Some insurance companies will just give you a check for the estimated repair cost. Some will only provide payment for licensed contractors that are on their authorized "partner" list.

 

[richardycc]

don't file unless it's a lot of money. lightning took out my well pump, I filed, and after my deductible, I think I got a check for less than $300, then my insurance went up $300/yr the next renewal. The agent should've told me not to file for this small amount. I got lucky and found another insurer that disregard small claims like mine, but I am still paying $100 more a year now.

 

[SP33Demon]

I don't think so, unless you own the company doing the certified work.

 

[rh71]

Auto insurance would let you as they cut you a check and you never even have to fix any damage. Is homeowners any different and why?

 

[CPA]

I just had a claim for damaged kitchen cabinets. The adjuster cut me a check on the spot for about 80% of the amount he calculated. It included new cabinets, new granite and new paint job. It's so sophisticated now that they do all of the estimating and check issuing right there. The remaining 20% was only paid after I sent pictures of the new kitchen. I didn't have to provide estimates, repair orders or anything else. Only pics. He didn't care who did the work. This is in Texas with Liberty Mutual.

 

[thomsbrain]

Auto insurance would let you as they cut you a check and you never even have to fix any damage. Is homeowners any different and why?

The only caveat with this approach for autos is that it's generally based on a very conservative external visual estimate and is almost never as much as it would actually cost to finish the repair once the hidden damage is revealed. Getting supplementals added to a claim without actually having a professional submit the request can be tough, because few professionals want to get involved in that if they aren't actually getting to do the job. Might be a similar risk for homes?

 

[dullard]

I did file a claim once (it was technically wind damage, but they marked it as hail damage from a previous storm). They asked for multiple quotes and gave me something like 80% of the median quote price up front. To get the rest, I had to prove that the roof was replaced (a used bag of shingles and a photo were all I needed). Never once did they care who did the work. I could have even pocketed the cash and did nothing but then I would only get 80% of the payout.

I would file the claim. You may think it might be a simple leak in one spot. But the insurance adjuster may total your whole roof if he/she thinks it isn't easilly repaired. Then you can try to negotiate anything you want with them.

Check with your insurance company though if you replace the whole roof. Using hail resistant roofing may be ~$500 to $1000 more but it may also save you ~$200/year on your insurance and give you a better looking house with less chance of wind/hail damage in the future.

 

[Rakehellion]

don't file unless it's a lot of money. lightning took out my well pump, I filed, and after my deductible, I think I got a check for less than $300, then my insurance went up $300/yr the next renewal. The agent should've told me not to file for this small amount. I got lucky and found another insurer that disregard small claims like mine, but I am still paying $100 more a year now.

Lol? It's the agent's job to make the company money.

 

[Rakehellion]

Auto insurance would let you as they cut you a check and you never even have to fix any damage. Is homeowners any different and why?

When I needed my hip replacement, I filed a claim with my insurance company and did the work myself.

 

[SunnyD]

When I needed my hip replacement, I filed a claim with my insurance company and did the work myself.

When I needed to die, I filed a life insurance claim and did the work myself... :sneaky:

 

[Humpy]

When I needed my hip replacement, I filed a claim with my insurance company and did the work myself.

Hip replacement seems pretty easy. A good sharp knife, a drill and a couple different bits, a mallet, and the right replacement parts is all it takes. It's smart not to overpay for something like that.

 

[rh71]

Hip replacement seems pretty easy. A good sharp knife, a drill and a couple different bits, a mallet, and the right replacement parts is all it takes. It's smart not to overpay for something like that.

You guys are all ridiculous. Just hire a day laborer.