Home insurance claim are not simple and there can be a lot of things that a homeowner needs to take care of. To help a homeowner filing a claim, many reputable contractors with fair practices are present. Beware of contractors who rely on people's fears. Usually when a disaster occurs a homeowner is afraid of what is going to happen next and how will he mange to pay the mortgage provider and get his claim from the insurance company. These contractors can feed on this fear and cost a lot. Many people come to your door step and tell you about repairs and cleanup but you need to find the reputable and honest contractor. For that I have formulated a list of steps so that at the end of one's tether he can find a legitimate contractor.

Insurance Adjuster

The insurance company which insured you assigns an insurance adjuster who will work your claim. Ask him to make an estimate of all property damage that has occurred. This is the first step because if a contractor comes to your house for repair work you can tell him the estimate and save yourself from paying extra.

Contractor References

When a contractor approaches you, ask him if he is registered with the better business bureaus and with the local home building association. Ask fiends and family about any contractor that they have worked with or have a reference of. When you find a reference and a contractor find out if he is license and has workers compensation insurance. If the contractor is unable to provide a proof of the insurance then he is not good to do business with because of any worker cause any property damage you will have to pay for it.

Read the Contract Papers

Read the papers of contract with extra acre and its better to get a blank copy of the contract so that you can review it without any pressure. Any contractor that refuses will be a bad choice. In case the contract papers are difficult to interpret you can consult a lawyer.

Repairs

You have a limited cash amount that will be given to you by the contractor, so make sure to note down the temporary repairs. If a contractor tells you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs rather then you will have very less amount left to spend on the actual repair. You will have to pay out of your pocket to the contractor. Also don't do business with any contractor that is providing a very low estimate in which the repairs are not possible.

Payments

The contractors ask for advance payments so that they can start the work by buying supplies and other material. Remember; never pay him the full amount as advance and what ever payment you make should be through a check because you can keep a receipt of the cashed check for future.

Maintain a log

All work related papers and communication between you and the contractor must be recorded including the signed contracts, specifications and plans of the repair work. Other papers such as invoices, bills, insurance certificate bills, and suppliers should also be kept.