Tired of Insurance Skipping Over the Real Scope of Work? You’re Not Alone.
As a contractor, you know what it takes to put a property back together the right way. Full tear-offs. Code compliance. Matching materials. Making sure the customer gets what they had and that the repairs are done right.
But time and time again, you submit a legitimate scope, only for the insurance adjuster to come back with a watered-down estimate that ignores key line items. The worst part? They are more often refusing to even talk about code upgrades, ordinance and law coverage, or matching siding, shingles, or flooring because they are categorizing it as a “coverage” issue that contractors cannot discuss while making the contractor do all the legwork to prove code and matching issues.
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s hurting your clients, cutting into your revenue and delaying jobs.
Why Carriers Avoid These Topics Like the Plague
- They only speak in dollars and line items.
If something’s not on the estimate, they act like it’s not covered. Doesn’t matter if it’s required by law or clearly spelled out in the policy. - They do not take the time to educate the property owner.
Many insurance adjusters do not take the time to sit down with the policyholder and explain the ins and outs of their coverage and how the dollars offered on the claim were calculated. That leaves you trying to explain these concepts and breaking the bad news to your client while trying to make the insurer’s dollars stretch the furthest they will go. - They know most contractors won’t push back.
Many contractors throw in the towel after the second or third try to reason with the adjuster. But that leaves money on the table—and work you could’ve done, undone.
Where This Hits You the Hardest
Matching Materials
The roof’s only half damaged, but the shingle line is discontinued. Good luck getting the carrier to approve a full replacement—unless someone forces the issue. Some states have matching laws. Many carriers ignore them.
Building Code Upgrades
You’re required to install ice and water, use thicker decking, or update wiring to code—but it’s “not in scope.” Meanwhile, the building inspector won’t sign off unless it’s done.
Ordinance or Law Coverage
Most policies include 10–25% extra for code and ordinance compliance—but adjusters act like it doesn’t exist unless you explicitly reference the endorsement and provide proof the upgrade is mandatory, being enforced by the local building official, or an actual cost incurred.
This Isn’t Just a Headache—It’s Lost Work
When insurance refuses to acknowledge real-world construction needs:
- You’re forced to under-build, risking your license and reputation.
- Your client has to pay out of pocket—and they blame you for the gap.
- You waste time arguing instead of producing more sales.
Worst of all, you lose jobs you should’ve had.
Collaborating With Gavnat Means You Don’t Fight Alone
We work with contractors across the Midwest to:
- Review policies for ordinance and matching coverage
- Supplement with full scopes based on code, compliance, and construction realities
- Negotiate directly with the carrier to get the job funded right the first time
We know what insurance should pay. And we make sure your scope is backed by the documentation, photos, and legal support needed to get it approved.
Make Insurance Work For You—Not Against You
If you’re tired of banging your head against the wall with the claims adjustment process, it’s time to bring in a public adjuster who gets construction and fights for full recoverable scopes.
Let’s talk.
We’ll walk through your file, review the policy, and help you get paid for everything that’s owed.