We’re a nation of do-it-yourselfers, as you can see by the sheer number of home improvement superstores dotting the landscape. There’s no doubt that being able to repair a leaky faucet or a faulty light switch is a source of pride for most property owners.

That’s why your first instinct may be to make your own repairs if your home is damaged by a natural disaster or other unexpected catastrophe — and to wonder if your insurer would pay you to fix it.

But is a do-it-yourself insurance claim repair a good idea? Or will you be setting yourself up for disappointment? Like most questions concerning insurance, the answer isn’t as simple as you might expect.

How Does It Work?

Under most circumstances, your insurer will determine how much the repairs should cost to restore your home to its former condition. After it completes those calculations, the company will cut you a check that you can use to pay a contractor or buy the materials for a DIY claim repair.

Is It Possible?

The first hurdle to jump is whether or not your policy allows you to do any DIY insurance claim repairs on your own. The short answer is that generally this is allowed, but there are certain conditions and caveats that you should know about before you get started.

For example, if you’re still making mortgage payments, your hands may be tied. That’s because the bank or lien holder may require you to hire a professional. This is to protect their investment and ensure that the value of their loan remains as high as possible.

Is It a Good Idea?

You might have a lot of confidence in your skills as a do-it-yourselfer, but that doesn’t mean taking on an insured repair job is automatically something you should do. Here are a few reasons you might want to reconsider:

  • You might be in over your head — If you jump head first into a project without having the necessary expertise, you could make the problem worse. This will almost certainly drive up the cost.
  • You could hurt your chances for future settlements — It’s essential that any work you do will restore your property to its pre-loss condition. This means your insurer may not cover any damages that result from substandard work.

On the other hand, taking care of the problem on your own could have benefits if you know what you’re doing. These may include:

  • You might make some money — By saving on the labor costs associated with hiring professional contractors, you’ll be able to pocket a portion of your settlement to use for other improvements.
  • You’ll control the schedule — You can minimize disruptions to your family life by performing the job yourself. You’ll be in charge of what gets done and when.

Your first instinct after your home is damaged by a storm or other random event is to roll up your sleeves and start working. However, if you’re insured you may want to carefully consider whether that’s the right choice. No matter what you decide, call Expert Public Adjusters first to ensure you’ll get the highest possible settlement from your policy. Our certified professionals have helped countless homeowners maximize their payouts and get what they deserve.