Before You Sign, Know Your Rights.
1-800-Board Up is the only national disaster recovery company that works closely with first responders to assist with catastrophes.
Talk to your Fire Chief about who is safe in securing your property, do not feel pressured to sign anything on site, and know your rights.
“Bill of Rights”
Fire and water damage disrupts the normal pattern of life and can involve a lot of emotional stress. People often feel confused and vulnerable after events of this type. However, it is important to make good decisions, because you will be living with the results long after the stress and confusion have passed.
The standard homeowner’s policy generally contains the same provisions throughout the United States and Canada. Here are some of your rights and obligations under its terms:
1. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GET 3 BIDS.
2. YOU MAY TAKE, AND BE FULLY COMPENSATED FOR, THE COST OF EMERGENCY STEPS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PROPERTY FROM FURTHER DAMAGE AFTER A LOSS. In fact, you have an obligation to do so under the terms of your policy. The insurance company may not be liable for additional expenses if you fail to provide such protection.
3. IF YOU HAVE SECURED ADEQUATE COVERAGE, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THE FAIR COST OF FULLY RESTORING YOU HOME TO ITS PRE-DAMAGE CONDITION. However, you may not be insured for the repair of unrelated problems, code deficiencies or prior damage.
4. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EMPLOY AND SHOULD INSIST UPON A FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED REPAIR FIRM OF GOOD REPUTATION. However, if you do not choose to employ such a firm the consequences and liability for any injury, damage or other action may rest with you.
5. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EMPLOY A FIRM WITH SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE AND STABILITY IN THE COMMUNITY TO STAND BEHIND ITS WORK AND WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES. The repair contract and its performance are strict between you and the contractor. Your insurance company does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any firm you hire.
6. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP FULLY EQUIVALENT TO YOUR EXISTING INSTALLATION IN LIKE KIND AND QUALITY. The insurance company has no obligation to improve your existing installation.
7. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST BIDDER. NOWHERE IN YOUR POLICY DO THE WORDS “CHEAPEST,” “LOW” OR “LOWEST PRICE” OCCUR. However, repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for quality work.
8. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A DETAILED LISTING OF THE SCOPE OF REPAIRS AND QUANTITIES OF MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED. Also, provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible
9. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO AND SHOULD REJECT ANY CONTRACT THAT DOES NOT INCORPORATE ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION WORK. However, you must be familiar with these requirements in order to enjoy the protection the law provides. Ask an Industry Certified Restoration Contractor for this important information.
10. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO SELECT A FIRM WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE SKILL AND EXPERIENCE IN INSURANCE DAMAGE REPAIR AS A FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. Ask for references, credentials, and association membership that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work.
11. IF A SUBSTANTIAL DISAGREEMENT ARISES BETWEEN YOU AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY OVER THE AMOUNT OF THE LOSS YOU ARE ENTITLED TO DEMAND APPRAISAL. This provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, whether or not you have received advanced payments. The insurance company is also entitled to this provision.
12. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED BY THE POLICY AND YOUR STATE INSURANCE REGULATIONS, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM USING DELAY AND PERSONAL HARDSHIP TO COMPEL A LOWER SETTLEMENT. However, the policy also has time requirements for the policy holder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim.
SINCE YOU ARE THE POLICYHOLDER, ONLY YOU CAN DEMAND THAT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY LIVES UP TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE POLICY.
As professional restoration contractors, we recommend that you do so, out of a strong conviction that fair dealing, good workmanship, and ethical business practices benefit the insurance industry just as they benefit the public at large.
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. It entitles you to certain rights and imposes certain obligations. As Certified Professional Restoration Contractors, we have prepared this Bill of Rights so that you may better understand the policy you have purchased and how it relates to the repairs you may undertake.
