Usually you can choose your own water mitigation company. Insurers often suggest a preferred vendor, which can be convenient, but it is generally your decision who works in your home. Ask the insurer to confirm in writing that your choice is fine and how they want the work documented. Want a local company that also fixes the pipe? Call (413) 603-1274.
Preferred vendor vs your choice
- Preferred vendors have agreed pricing with the insurer and can be quick to approve
- Your own company works for you, may handle the plumbing too, and may be local and familiar with your type of house
- Either way, the insurer pays for reasonable, documented work on a covered loss
Read your policy and ask the insurer to put any restrictions in writing. General information only.
What to ask any company
- Can you fix the pipe as well as dry the house?
- Will you document the moisture readings every visit?
- Will I get photos and an itemized invoice?
- Who do I call at night if something goes wrong?
- Do I get the price before work starts?
See questions to ask a water damage company.
Why it can matter
Some homeowners report problems like crews calling a house dry when walls were still wet, or billing they did not understand. Whoever you choose, ask for the readings and photos and keep them. They protect your claim. See how to document water damage and water damage insurance claim help.
Signing paperwork
Most mitigation companies ask you to sign a work authorization before they start. Read it. It should say what work is authorized, how you will be billed, and whether payment is coming from you, your insurer or both. Some forms include an assignment of benefits, which lets the company bill and deal with your insurer directly and can affect your control over the claim. Ask what each paragraph means, and do not sign anything you do not understand during a stressful moment. You can authorize emergency water removal and drying without signing over your whole claim.
Insurer pricing and your company
Insurers generally pay a reasonable cost for the work needed. Most mitigation companies price their work with the same estimating software insurers use, so the numbers are easier to compare. If your insurer questions a line item, ask for the reason in writing and let your company respond with the readings and photos that support it.
A local company knows the houses
A company based in Chicopee works in the same two- and three-deckers, plaster walls and fieldstone basements every winter. That helps in knowing where water hides and how long old materials take to dry.
Whoever you choose, ask them to send their photos, readings and drying logs to your adjuster directly, and to copy you on everything they send.
Questions
Will the insurer pay less if I choose my own company?
They pay reasonable costs for covered work. Ask them up front how they handle pricing for non-network companies.
Their company already started. Can I switch?
Usually, but get the records for what was done so far, and tell the insurer in writing.
Want a local company? Call
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee: we fix the pipe and dry the house in one call.