Homeowners don’t expect to have to deal with flood damage or water damage, but when it happens, it’s not uncommon to experience shock and confusion about what to do next. The first step is usually to contact your homeowner’s insurance company and trust whatever they tell you to do. Your insurance company may choose a flood damage restoration company and want to immediately send them to your property, but that might not be in your best interest.
What many insurance companies don’t tell you as a property owner is that you have the right to choose your own water damage restoration company. You don’t have to go with the one they choose. In fact, you may want to rely on Appalachian Restoration and Cleaning, the proven choice for water damage restoration in the Asheville, North Carolina area, whether your insurance company sends you to them or not.
What Is a Preferred Provider?
The flood damage restoration company that your insurance company recommends is known as a “preferred provider.” When insurance companies recommend one of these providers, they may not always have the needs of the insured in mind. A preferred provider is a company that the insurance company chooses because:
- Working with them benefits the insurance company.
- They offer a reduced rate and in return the insurance company continues to send them work.
Many times, property owners go along with this suggestion because they’re afraid their claim won’t be paid if they don’t go with the company chosen by their insurance company, but this isn’t true. Before you let your insurance company send a restoration company to your home right after you report the damage, look for a water damage restoration company that works for the homeowner, not the insurance company.
What Should I Look for in a Flood Damage Restoration Company?
Once you realize you have the right to choose a company to handle restoration of your property after water damage, the next step is to learn how to choose a water damage restoration company with a strong reputation. Look for qualities that include:
- An immediate response after disaster strikes
- Staffed by licensed and insured technicians
- Local references and testimonials
- Detailed information on the plan for restoration
- Experience in working with insurance companies
- The ability to properly document the work for insurance claims
- Use of the latest techniques and modern equipment
- A reliable and trustworthy team
Experiencing water damage can be extremely stressful. You need to know you’re in the best hands for restoring your property. Don’t automatically work with your insurance company’s choice. You have the right to choose the most qualified contractor who treats you and your property with the respect you deserve. Appalachian Restoration and Cleaning is available 24/7 and has more than 30 years of experience. They provide water damage restoration quickly, using the most technologically advanced tools and practices. For restoration after water damage or flood damage in Western North Carolina, contact them today <Link to Contact> with questions or to obtain a quote.
