You Have the Right to Choose Your Contractor—Even if Your Insurance Company Says Otherwise

If you've ever heard this from your adjuster:

“That price seems too high. Our contractor will come tomorrow and get started…”

You’re not alone.
This is a common tactic—and homeowners deserve to know the truth.

🚨 What Actually Happened

In a recent case, we submitted a detailed scope of work, built in Xactimate, using ZIP-code pricing and full documentation.

Instead of reviewing it, the adjuster told the homeowner the price was "too high"—without even explaining what was wrong with the scope.

Then they said their preferred contractor would be out the next day to do another estimate and start work immediately.

What they didn’t say is:

• The homeowner had already hired us

• The estimate was built properly and legally

• They were overstepping by pushing their contractor

• And in many cases, this kind of behavior may be tortious interference—legally

🧑‍⚖️ Your Legal Right to Choose

Insurance companies cannot force you to use their contractor.
And if you've already hired someone (especially in writing), trying to push someone else into the job can violate your rights.

You have the right to:

✅ Choose your own licensed contractor
✅ Have your chosen contractor’s scope reviewed fairly
✅ Decline any vendor or contractor sent by the insurance company

🧠 What’s Really Going On?

Sometimes, preferred vendors work off fixed pricing or limited scopes.
They may prioritize cost savings over full restoration.
They may also rely on referral business from the carrier—so who are they really working for?

We don’t work for the carrier. We work for you.

⚠️ Why It’s a Red Flag

If an adjuster is ignoring your signed contractor agreement, and trying to insert another contractor after you’ve already made a choice, that can fall under tortious interference—
which is when a third party unlawfully disrupts an existing contract.

At minimum, it’s unethical.
At worst, it could open them up to legal liability.

🧾 Final Word: Price ≠ Value

Insurance adjusters often glance at the total price—but that number is meaningless without context.

We don’t charge more—we just include more of what you’re owed:
✔ Full scope
✔ Matching materials
✔ Legal requirements
✔ Proper repairs

You’re not just hiring a contractor.
You’re hiring someone to protect your home and your rights.

📞 Have questions or feel pressured by your insurance company?
Let’s talk first: (951) 692-7688

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my insurance company force me to use their contractor?

A: No. You have the legal right to choose your own licensed contractor. Insurance companies may suggest a “preferred” vendor, but you’re never required to use them. If you’ve already hired a contractor, they must respect your choice.

Q: Why did my adjuster say my contractor’s estimate was too high?

A: Adjusters often look at the total price without reviewing the full scope of work. A detailed estimate may include necessary repairs, matching materials, and code-required items that were left out of their version. A higher number doesn’t mean it’s inflated—it means it’s complete.

Q: Can the insurance company still send their contractor if I’ve already hired mine?

A: The insurance company can send their contractor to do an estimate, inspection, or assessment—but not to perform work on your home. Only you, the homeowner, have the authority to choose who does the repairs. If you’ve already hired a contractor, the insurance company must respect your decision.

Q: What is tortious interference in an insurance claim?

A: Tortious interference happens when someone intentionally disrupts an existing contract or business relationship. In claims, this can happen when an adjuster knowingly tries to override your signed agreement with a contractor by pushing their own vendor.

Q: Is my claim at risk if I refuse the insurance company’s contractor?

A: No. Refusing their contractor will not affect your coverage or your right to file a claim. You have the right to hire the contractor you trust. Just make sure your contractor is licensed, experienced in insurance work, and documents everything properly.