Can I Make Home Repairs & Keep the Insurance Claim Money?
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Can I Keep My Home Insurance Claim Check & Make Repairs Myself?

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Can I Keep My Home Insurance Claim Check & Make Repairs Myself in San Diego, CA

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If your home is in need of repairs due to a natural disaster or another event covered by your homeowners insurance, you’ll need to get several repair quotes. These quotes are given to your insurance company when you file the claim. With the ever-increasing popularity of DIY projects and homeownership, you may be tempted to take whatever the insurance company is willing to give you as payment for repairs and then just do the repairs yourself.

You might even question if keeping the check is legal. Here are the answers to that very question, depending on the practices of your specific home insurance company. Check your policy and the insurance company’s procedures regarding their own practices before moving ahead with a claim on your homeowners insurance. The experienced agents from Altra Insurance Services, a leading provider of homeowners insurance San Diego residents rely on for high-quality service and affordable coverage, explain further.

Yes, You Can Keep the Check and Do It Yourself, But…

There are some instances when you can keep the check the insurance company sends you. However, you should know that if you cash the check, you have solidified your claim and payment on said claim by taking the money. If you go ahead and attempt to make repairs yourself and find you need to hire a pro, you’re out of luck if you’ve already spent it on supplies.

Additionally, once you cash the check, you cannot file a duplicate claim for the same home repair problem. Cashing the check means you accept what the insurance company offered, and the insurance company no longer owes you anything for that particular claim or repair. If your attempts at doing your home repair yourself fail or make things worse, you cannot file another claim for the same issue. The insurance company would fault you for not hiring a professional, and they won’t pay for a homeowner’s DIY failures.

No, You Can’t Keep the Check

Some insurance companies are very strict with their definitions when it comes to home repair. They have safeguards in place that prevent homeowners from cashing checks and keeping the money. For example, some companies will request the name of the repair company you’ve hired, then mail the check to you with both your name and the name of the repair company on it. Both you and the contractor will have to sign it to cash it, and the money goes into the contractor’s pocket.

Other insurance companies will only make the check out to the contractor. You have to show proof that you’ve secured the contractor’s services (usually the contract between you and the contractor). You never see the check because it’s mailed directly to the contractor responsible for completing the repairs to your home.

If you’re not confident in your ability to make repairs to your home, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. It’s also smart to work with insurance agents who have the experience and expertise to give you the best advice about your unique insurance needs. For reliable, affordable homeowners insurance, San Diego homeowners know they can trust Altra Insurance Services. We also provide renters, commercial, motorcycle, and San Diego car insurance. Request a free quote by calling one of our friendly agents today at 619-474-6666. 

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