A “Right to Repair” clause allows the insurance company the option to repair your property instead of sending you the money for you to make the appropriate repairs.
When you agree to a “Right to Repair” the insurance company is still obligated to put your property back to pre-loss condition, however, their contractors will fix your damages in the cheapest and fastest way, so they can make more money on the job: a perfect combination for a homeowner’s headache!
How’s that?
Let’s say your pipe bursts and you have a “Right to Repair,” here’s what could happen… You’ll sign a work authorization form, and the insurance company’s contractors will start repairing the damages by capping the plumbing line and rerouting the plumbing overhead, so they don’t have to break out the tiles. If they did break through the tiles to get to the plumbing, they’ll also have to pay for replacement of all matching tile, baseboards, and paint, and if the tiles run under the cabinets, they might also have to remove and reset the cabinets in order to properly replace all the floor tiles, which is a cost they don’t want to incur. Now, your property is no longer in pre-loss condition (because the plumbing isn’t in the same place it was before the loss). And if you want to upgrade the room while repairs are underway, you will have to figure out with them how much the extra cost will be that you’ll be responsible to pay, which can get convoluted. THEY DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR BETTERMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS. On top of it all, you have to wait for the insurance company’s contractors to finish repairs, and then, if the repairs are bad, you’ll have to pursue the insurance company in litigation.
Reach Out To The Insurance Litigation Group Today for Assistance
If a dispute arises between you and your insurance company over a “right to repair” provision in your homeowner insurance policy, contact an experienced insurance attorney today.
Homeowners have multiple options when it comes to resolving disputes with their insurance providers. The Florida attorneys at the Insurance Litigation Group can guide you through the insurance claims process and help you understand the terms of your policy, including any right to repair or managed repair provisions. Contact us today for a free consultation.
