Don’t Let a Bad Contractor Hurt a Good Claim
After fire, water, or storm damage, finding a trustworthy contractor can feel urgent—and overwhelming. The wrong choice can lead to shoddy work, delayed repairs, or even a denied insurance claim.
Whether you’ve suffered a hurricane-related roof leak, a water-damaged bathroom from a pipe burst, or fire restoration after an electrical mishap, who you hire matters. And your insurance company isn’t going to choose the contractor for you.
Here’s what every Florida policyholder should know before hiring a restoration or repair contractor.
1. Always Verify Licensing and Insurance
Florida law requires most general contractors and specialty trades (like roofers and plumbers) to be licensed. If your contractor isn’t properly licensed or insured:
- Your repairs may not meet code
- You risk delays in insurance payment
- You may be personally liable for injury or damage on-site
Use the Florida DBPR license lookup to confirm credentials.
2. Beware of Post-Storm Scammers
After hurricanes or major weather events, Florida sees an uptick in unlicensed contractors going door to door offering “fast repairs” or promising to “waive deductibles.” Don’t fall for it.
Red flags include:
- No business address or website
- Requests for full payment upfront
- Pressure to sign before inspecting
- Vague or generic contracts
Even worse? Some scammers ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB), which can hand over control of your insurance claim without your understanding.
3. Get an Independent Estimate First
Before signing anything with a contractor, have a public adjuster or third-party estimator inspect the damage and write a claim scope.
Why?
- Some contractors underbid to win the job, then leave you with unfinished repairs
- Others overestimate and put your claim at risk for denial
- Your insurance company will scrutinize the repair costs—you should too
A licensed public adjuster ensures your claim reflects actual, necessary work—not inflated or inadequate pricing.
4. Work With a Contractor Who Understands Insurance
Not every contractor is familiar with the insurance process. Look for someone who:
- Understands Xactimate or other estimating software
- Knows how to document work for insurance approval
- Communicates with your adjuster or public adjuster directly
- Provides clear documentation and progress photos
At Property Owner Advocates, we regularly coordinate with vetted restoration partners who meet these standards—and help move claims forward efficiently.
5. Ask These 6 Questions Before Signing
- Are you licensed and insured in Florida?
- Do you have experience with insurance claims?
- Can you provide references or photos of recent work?
- What’s included in the contract—and what’s not?
- Will you itemize costs for my insurer?
- Can you wait for claim approval before beginning work?
Let Us Help You Choose Right
If you’re unsure about who to hire—or you just want a second opinion—we’re here to help.
As part of your free claim review, we’ll:
- Explain what your insurance covers
- Document the damage accurately
- Recommend vetted, licensed Florida contractors
- Help ensure your payout covers real, approved repair costs
Don’t risk your repair—and your claim—on the wrong contractor.
Request your free claim review today.