Do You Have to Use Your Insurer's Recommended Builder?

When you make a buildings insurance claim, your insurer will often offer to appoint a contractor from their own panel. Many policyholders assume they have to accept. In almost all cases, you do not.

Your right to choose

For most home insurance policies, you are entitled to choose your own contractor to carry out reinstatement work, provided the contractor is competent and the costs are reasonable and in line with the claim. Your insurer pays the agreed amount either way. It is worth checking your specific policy wording, but the right to appoint your own builder is the norm rather than the exception.

Why insurers suggest their own network

Insurer panels exist to manage cost and volume across thousands of claims. That can work well, but the contractor's primary relationship is with the insurer, not with you. When you appoint your own contractor, that team works for you, while still liaising with the insurer and loss adjuster throughout.

What to look for in your own contractor

Whoever you choose should be experienced in insurance reinstatement specifically, not just general building. Look for clear itemised schedules, proper accreditation and insurance, experience working with loss adjusters, and a single point of accountability so you are not chasing multiple trades yourself.

How it works in practice

Tell your insurer or loss adjuster that you would like to appoint your own contractor. Your contractor prepares a schedule of works, this is agreed with the insurer, and the work proceeds. We do this routinely, and you can get in touch to talk through a claim at any stage.