Should I Get Multiple Bids Before Filing an Insurance Claim?

Your first action after water damage should be to contact your insurance company to start the claims process. They will assign an adjuster to inspect your home and assess the damage. The adjuster provides an official estimate for the covered repairs, which is the primary document for your claim. Independent bids gathered before this step are often not used for the final settlement.

The insurer's estimate establishes the scope of covered work and the budget for the restoration. If you get bids first, they may not match the insurer's assessment of necessary repairs or pricing. This mismatch can create confusion and slow down the approval of your claim, delaying the start of essential drying work.

You should choose a local water damage pro after you have filed your claim and received the initial insurance scope. This allows you to present the insurer's documented requirements to potential pros. You can then evaluate them on their plan to meet that specific scope, their communication style, and their availability to start the urgent drying process.

While getting multiple detailed bids is not typical, you can and should talk to more than one local water damage pro. Ask each about their process for moisture mapping, structural drying, and documentation for your claim. Choose the pro you feel most confident will execute the insurer's approved scope thoroughly and communicate transparently.

• Secure the property from further damage immediately.
• File your insurance claim and get the adjuster's estimate.
• Select a water damage pro based on their expertise and responsiveness.
• Have the pro review the insurance scope for completeness.
• Authorize the pro to begin the documented emergency services.
• Let the pro and adjuster handle any necessary scope revisions.

Start by documenting all damage with photos and videos before any cleanup begins. This provides visual evidence for your adjuster. Then, call your insurance company to report the loss. Follow their instructions for next steps, which usually involve waiting for the adjuster's visit before any non-emergency repairs are made.

After the adjuster's visit, you can confidently select a restoration pro. Provide them with the adjuster's contact information and a copy of the estimate. A reputable pro will handle necessary coordination and documentation, from emergency water extraction to final repairs, keeping you informed throughout the process. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.