06. Why is a building contractor’s estimate not enough to have the company adjusters make a settlement?
Building contractors do not have experience in interpreting insurance policies and how they apply to a loss. They are not knowledgeable in computing Depreciation, Co-Insurance, Actual Cash Values Divisions of the policy and other elements of your loss. Further, a contractor is competitive with his bid, attempting to provide his lowest bid so as to get the job. Hidden heat, smoke and water damage could cause you problems after you settle your loss. If the job is given to competitive bid, it usually means the lowest bid will get the job. It is certainly much better for you to have control of your money, to hire who you choose, and pay them as you see fit for the quality of the work performed to your satisfaction. You then control what and how repairs are made. Further, a contractor cannot handle your Contents, Business Interruption or Living Expense loss or other losses related to the policy.