Short answer. Yes, you can ask. In British Columbia your insurer may suggest a contractor from its own list, and you can ask to use a different one. What your policy says about repairs decides the outcome, and the contractor you choose has to work within the amount the insurer approves. Get the adjuster's approval of the work before you sign a contract.
How to ask for your own contractor: three steps
- Tell your adjuster early, in writing. Say that you want to use your own licensed contractor, and ask how payment will work on your claim.
- Check what your policy says about repairs. Read the repairs and settlement sections of your policy, or ask your adjuster to confirm in writing how your policy handles repairs.
- Get the scope approved before you sign. Your contractor prepares a detailed written scope and price. The Insurance Council of BC advises asking for a written contract with detailed work descriptions and warranties, and making sure the adjuster approves the work before you sign it.
Before any cleanup or temporary repair, take plenty of photos or video of the damage. Keep receipts for hotel stays, meals and other extra costs, since some of them may be reimbursed.
What your adjuster does
Adjusters in British Columbia are licensed by the Insurance Council of BC. Under its rules they must handle claims promptly and fairly, identify who they act for, and make sure you understand your coverage, rights and obligations. Many adjusters act for the insurer, so ask yours who they represent. If something in your claim is unclear, ask the adjuster to explain it in writing.
How payment works
Your deductible
The deductible is your share of the loss. The insurer pays the approved amount above it.
If you have a mortgage
Your mortgage lender is usually named on your home policy. The insurer will often make the payment out to the lender, and the lender may release funds as you show the repairs are done. Ask your adjuster and your lender early how they will handle it, so payments to your contractor are not held up.
Who pays the contractor
There are two common ways. With a direction to pay, you sign a document asking the insurer to pay the contractor directly for the approved work. Otherwise, the insurer pays you, and you pay the contractor. Eurohouse works either way, depending on the insurer and the job.
Upgrades
Insurance pays to restore what you had. If you want to go further, the extra cost is yours. See strategic upgrades during insurance restoration.
A cash settlement
If you are offered a cash payout instead of repairs, read cash settlement vs. insurance restoration before you accept.
Where Eurohouse fits
We are your contractor, not a public adjuster. We document the damage, prepare a detailed scope and price, and deal with your adjuster on scope, quality and building detail. We are a BC Housing licensed residential builder, and we rebuild after the dry-out across West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver and Whistler.
See our insurance restoration services, or the pages for fire damage and water damage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own contractor on an insurance claim in BC?
Yes, you can ask. Your insurer may suggest a contractor, and you can ask to use a different one. What your policy says about repairs decides the outcome, and your contractor has to work within the amount the insurer approves.
Does my adjuster need to approve the work?
Yes. The Insurance Council of BC advises getting a written contract with detailed work descriptions and warranties, and making sure the adjuster approves the work before you sign it.
Who pays the deductible?
You do. The deductible is your share of the loss, and the insurer pays the approved amount above it.
Who gets the insurance cheque if I have a mortgage?
Your mortgage lender is usually named on your policy, and the insurer will often make the payment out to the lender. The lender may release funds as you show the repairs are done.
Can the insurer pay my contractor directly?
Often, yes. With a direction to pay, you ask the insurer in writing to pay the contractor for the approved work. Otherwise the insurer pays you and you pay the contractor.