🛠️ What Can You Say About Insurance as a Contractor?

If you’ve ever been asked questions like:

• “Will insurance cover this?”

• “Why did they deny my claim?”

• “Can you talk to my adjuster?”

You’re not alone.

As a contractor, you’re often the first professional a homeowner speaks to after a loss—but you’re not an adjuster, lawyer, or insurance agent. Saying the wrong thing can get you in trouble—or worse, land you in a lawsuit.

So, what can you say?

Here’s a cheat sheet we created at PL Builders to help contractors (and clients) stay in the clear—while still being helpful and professional.

✅ Contractor’s Insurance Question Cheat Sheet

🛠️ For Educational Use Only – Not Legal or Insurance Advice

💧 “Will insurance cover this water damage?”

✅ Safe Response:

“In many cases, insurance does cover sudden and accidental water damage, but not damage that’s built up over time or from maintenance issues. I’d recommend checking your policy or asking your adjuster directly to be sure.”

🔧 “Will they pay to fix the pipe (or roof, appliance, etc.) that caused it?”

✅ Safe Response:

“From my experience, they usually cover the damage caused by the failure, like walls or flooring—but not the actual repair of the pipe, roof, or appliance that failed. Still, it depends on your specific policy.”

🔎 “Why did the insurance deny this?”

✅ Safe Response:

“I can’t speak to their policy decision, but if you want a second opinion on the coverage part, a licensed public adjuster or attorney could help review it for you.”

📋 “Can you talk to my adjuster about getting more paid?”

✅ Safe Response:

“I can definitely explain the scope of work and why it needs to be done—that’s my role as the contractor. But if it becomes a dispute about coverage or what the policy should pay, that’s where a public adjuster steps in.”

📆 “Why is this taking so long?”

✅ Safe Response:

“There are laws in California that require carriers to respond within certain timelines. If it’s been more than 40 days since your proof of claim, you may want to file a complaint with the Department of Insurance or talk to a PA.”

🧾 “Can you help me write an email to the adjuster?”

✅ Safe Response:

“Sure—I can help you phrase your concerns clearly and include the right documentation. Just remember, the email has to come from you since I’m not licensed to negotiate coverage.”

🧠 Bonus: Language That Keeps You Safe

Use phrases like:

• “From my experience…”

• “What I’ve seen on similar jobs is…”

• “You might want to check your policy to be sure.”

• “That’s a question for your adjuster or a licensed PA.”

Avoid saying:

• “They should cover this.”

• “They’re required to pay for this.”

• “That’s not allowed under the policy.”

✅ Final Thoughts

As contractors, we see the gaps in estimates. We understand what repairs actually cost. But when it comes to insurance coverage, it’s critical to stay in our lane.

Be helpful, not harmful. Be clear, not liable.

Want a downloadable version of this cheat sheet?

Need help building Xactimate scopes or documenting damage the right way?
📞 PL Builders: (951) 692-7688

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can contractors legally discuss insurance coverage with homeowners?
A: Only licensed public adjusters or attorneys can legally interpret insurance policies or negotiate coverage. Contractors should stay focused on scope, repairs, and documentation—and defer coverage questions to the proper professionals.

Q: What can I say to help the homeowner without crossing the line?
A: Stick to facts. Share what you've seen on similar jobs and help document the damages. Avoid making promises about what the insurance will or won’t pay. Use phrases like “From my experience...” and “You might want to check with your adjuster...”

Q: What happens if I accidentally give insurance advice?
A: You could expose yourself to legal liability or even lose your license if you're reported. It’s best to stay within your professional role and refer any gray-area questions to a licensed public adjuster.

Q: Can I talk to the adjuster about the job?
A: Yes—you can discuss the scope of work, what was damaged, and what needs to be done. But if the conversation shifts to what the insurance should cover or pay, that crosses into public adjusting.