At Allstate, you are free to work with the contractor of your choice. We also offer recommendations in your area through the Good Hands® Repair Network

• Ask for recommendations. Talk to friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have had similar work done.
• Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Find information about contractors in your area and see if there are any complaints against them.
• Check online reviews. Look at Google reviews or websites such as Yelp or Angi. These can provide insights into the experiences of other customers.
• Verify credentials. Ensure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. You can obtain this information by asking the contractor directly and requesting documentation for proof. A good contractor can, and should, be able to provide this documentation as it is commonly requested. Certain states and regions also allow you to check online databases or licensing authorities.
• Ask for a quote. Compare prices, services, and timelines. Let them know you're working with Allstate, and after you file a claim, either you or your contractor can submit the quote for your adjuster to review.
• Ask about warranties. Most contractors offer warranties or guarantees of their work, and it's good information to have up-front.
• Watch out for potential fraud. Be wary of contractors that claim to be approved by FEMA, are from out of state (especially after a catastrophe), require up front payments or offer to waive your deductible, offer services you don't want, or pressure you to sign documents quickly.

Once you've chosen your contractor, Allstate will be here with you through to completion of the project. Here are some tips, and what you can expect at this stage of the process.

• Document damage. You and your contractor should take photos or video of the damage. This documentation is critical for the adjuster to investigate the claim and determine the next steps.
• Ask your contractor to be present for any inspections. This lets the adjuster and contractor review any damage and discuss the scope of the project together.
• Get a written estimate. Your contractor should provide a detailed, written assessment of the damage and estimated repair costs., Your claim adjuster will also create an estimate, which will be compared to your contractor's estimate. In most cases, your adjuster and your contractor will work together to come to an agreed upon scope and pricing for repairs.
• Getting permits. It is important to make sure the contractor knows and follows local building codes and rules. They should get the necessary permits for the work they are doing.
• Communicating timelines. A good contractor will set a realistic timeline for the repairs, including time allowances for material selection and delivery, as well as permits and inspections. Your contractor may also advise you that you cannot live in the home during repairs. Depending on your policy type, Allstate may be able to assist with additional living expenses if this is the case. Speak with your claims adjuster about potential options.
• Have a written contract. This contract protects both you and the contractor, and can be used as a reference in case of disputes. It will outline the scope of work, costs, payment schedule, and other important terms.
• Initial payment. Your contractor will likely ask for a down payment to begin the work. This will typically not exceed 20% of the total estimated amount. Avoid paying the entire amount before work begins.

Effective communication before and during repairs is key. Your contractor should keep you updated on progress, communicate any unexpected issues, and inform you of any changes to the original plan. They should also be willing to communicate directly with your insurance company. This includes providing Allstate with important documents, estimates, or extra information needed to process your claim.

Depending on the type of arrangement you have, payments will either come directly to you to pay your contractor, or go directly to the contractor. Depending on your policy and/or local laws and regulations, Allstate may initially pay only for the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the damaged items. ACV considers depreciation, which is the decrease in value over time due to factors like age, wear and tear, and obsolescence. If your policy allows for payment for the Full Replacement Cost (FRC) of the damaged items, you may be eligible for additional payments. You or your contractor can send Allstate documentation that shows the work has been completed. The claims adjuster will explain this process, and your contractor will likely be aware of it, too.

Payments to you
After Allstate determines what is covered, we usually pay you, the policyholder, directly.

There are two possible exceptions to this - the amount is so large that the insurance company is required to include the mortgage company on the payment, or, when the policyholder requests that the payment be made directly to the contractor.

Payment to your contractor
In most cases, you will pay the deductible amount directly to your contractor, which can cover all or part of the down payment. Your contractor will likely ask for a down payment to buy materials to begin the work. This will typically not exceed 20% of the total estimate, and they should never ask for the full payment before work starts. This down payment can also be paid to the contractor after you've received a payment from Allstate.

If your policy covers Full Replacement Cost (FRC), you or your contractor can submit documentation to show the work has been completed for your adjuster's review. Once confirmed, we will release the final payment to you, or your contractor, depending on the payment arrangements made with your contractor and Allstate.