Recover & Rebuild Right: What to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

In today’s challenging insurance landscape, property owners facing damage or loss may become targets for predatory vendors looking to exploit vulnerable situations. This could compromise your claim experience and financial well-being.

In this toolkit, we address the potential predatory practices from various vendors. By understanding the warning signs and tactics these vendors take, you can make more informed decisions throughout your claim process.

Whether you’re currently recovering from a loss or simply preparing for the future, this resource serves as your guide to recognizing and avoiding predatory practices. It also highlights how Travelers can help you every step of the way and connect you with trusted, pre-approved contractors and services to ensure a smooth claim experience.

Warning signs of predatory contractors after property damage

Someone offers a fast or easy lifeline during a stressful time. Tempting, right? That’s exactly the situation predatory vendors exploit in the aftermath of disasters or significant damage. They capitalize on vulnerability and urgency, often through misleading or unethical practices.

These vendors appear across a broad spectrum of otherwise legitimate companies: roofers, arborists, water mitigation contractors, general building contractors and more. But the way they do business is anything but usual — often pressuring you to make immediate decisions, pay upfront, and agree to damage estimates that are significantly inflated. They can make a bad situation even worse through substandard repairs, inflated costs...even legal issues. This may complicate the claim process, delay your recovery and devastate you financially. Be aware of the warning signs to protect yourself.

Below are a few of the “wrong” types of vendors to avoid:

Quick fixers

Be aware of fast-talking contractors who offer to make immediate repairs, demand money up front or refuse a written contract. They may cut corners or disappear in the middle of the job.

Skimmers

Public adjusters who take a percentage of your claim — often more than you expect. They may promise bigger payouts but could leave you with less in the end.

Exaggerators

They inflate damage or recommend unnecessary work to increase their payout. This can slow your claim, drive up costs and reduce what your insurer can fairly cover.

Storm chasers

Generally, non-local contractors who show up right after a disaster and pressure you to "sign now." They're often unlicensed, untraceable and gone before the real work begins.

Essential questions to ask before hiring a contractor

Protecting yourself from predatory vendors starts by asking questions and getting answers. This helps reveal who’s legitimate...and who could make things worse. Here are important questions to ask before hiring a contractor. And, most importantly, contact your insurance company immediately after experiencing a loss and before engaging with a contractor.

Questions to ask your agent or insurance carrier

1. Is this kind of damage covered under my policy?
2. Can you recommend any trusted contractors or vendors?
3. What documentation do I need to support my claim?
4. What steps should I take before signing any contracts or agreements?
5. Are there any adjustments I should make to my policy in the future to better protect my property?

Questions to ask contractors

1. Are you licensed and insured in this state?
2. Can I see references or recent client reviews?
3. Will you give me a written estimate with a full scope of work?
4. Do you require payment upfront?
5. Will you pull the necessary permits for this work?
   
   

Questions to ask damage specialists (arborists, water mitigation, etc.)

1. Are you certified for this type of work?
2. Can you provide a detailed quote before starting?
3. What’s included — and not included — in your service?
4. Do you work directly with insurers or require full payment upfront?
5. Can I check with my agent before moving forward?
   
   

Questions to ask public adjusters

1. What is your fee and how is it calculated?
2. Are you licensed in this state?
3. What exactly will you do for me that my insurer can’t?
4. How does your involvement affect my final payout?
5. Can I review your contract with my insurance agent before I sign?

How to find trusted contractors for property damage repair

Besides asking questions, also ensure the legitimacy of vendors by verifying their credentials. Avoid paying any large sums upfront and always insist on a written contract that outlines the scope of work and payment terms.

Vendor verification checklist:

• Check for proper identification and credentials.
• Verify licensing and insurance.
• Research online reviews and ratings.
• Request a detailed written estimate.
• Consult with your insurance company.
  
  

Travelers makes it easy.

Doing your own verification can be intimidating, especially when dealing with the recovery process. So you have access to the Travelers’ Repair Network that includes over 10,000 vetted contractors and service providers committed to quality and reliability. They’re trusted by Travelers and repairs are completed to the highest standards and guaranteed up to five years. This can bring peace of mind at a stressful time.

Feel confident with the right partner by your side.

With Travelers, you can trust that the Claim process is supported by a proven network dedicated to your full recovery. Feel confident knowing you have:

• Knowledgeable guidance when it matters most from Claim professionals trained to walk you through every step. From documenting your loss to resolving your claim, you’ll always have someone knowledgeable in your corner.
• Smart protection from costly mistakes thanks to Travelers’ tools, tips and advice designed to help you avoid scams, understand your options and rebuild the right way.
• Real confidence from real stories of Travelers customers who have successfully navigated the recovery process. Their experiences show the care, speed and support that set Travelers apart. 
  
  

Do it the right way.

If you’re currently figuring out the best way forward — or need to someday — remember to take a moment, step back and ensure you’re making the right decisions to avoid the wrong results. And remember Travelers — we’re always here to help make a difficult time a little easier.

Visit Travelers.com/claim for lots more help, advice and information.