Question 1

Do I have to use my insurance company's preferred vendor?

Accepted Answer

No. In New York you have the right to choose your own restoration contractor. Preferred vendors work under volume pricing agreements with the carrier — we work for you, and carriers must still pay covered claims performed by the contractor you choose.

Question 2

What does 'we bill your insurance directly' actually mean?

Accepted Answer

We write the estimate in Xactimate (the platform adjusters use), submit our documentation package to your carrier, reconcile scope with the adjuster, and collect payment from the insurance company. For covered losses, your deductible is typically your only out-of-pocket.

Question 3

What if the adjuster's estimate is lower than the real cost?

Accepted Answer

Common — first estimates miss scope constantly. We walk the loss with the adjuster and reconcile line by line against our photos, moisture logs, and readings. Documentation wins these conversations; that's why ours is obsessive.

Question 4

What is recoverable depreciation?

Accepted Answer

Many policies first pay actual cash value and hold back depreciation until repairs are completed and documented. We file the completion package that releases it — homeowners routinely leave thousands unclaimed because nobody files this paperwork.

Question 5

Should I call you or my insurance company first?

Accepted Answer

Call us first. Your policy requires you to prevent further damage immediately — that's us — and the first-hour documentation we capture is what protects the claim you're about to file. We'll help you report the loss right after.

Water damage: the first 24 hours.

Do these in order.

Common mistakes that cost people.

First-day questions.

Call now. Then do the rest.