When filing for an claim for your home, it is important that you find a contractor who is reliable and trustworthy. There are some contractors who would not mind making an extra buck, because you are all panicked about the recent accident. The following steps may come to your aid when it comes to hire a contractor in such situations and you don’t know whom to trust.

· You must contact your Company and ask for your agent. The agent will assess the damages and evaluate the cost for the repair work. Having a slight idea about the cost might help you when the contractor approaches you with his cost.

· When you get a contractor look for his references. It is better to use a contractor if your friends or your neighbors refer them. Use a licensed contractor; do verify his license before you give him the job. Using an uninsured contractor will only make you responsible for any accidents that might happen on your home.

· Before you accept the terms and conditions, read well all the papers you might have to sign. Look for the kind of work the contractor plans to do, the time he would need to complete it and for the guarantee he may give you for such work Also check out the policies regarding cancellation, this is important because you might feel the need to cancel the contract at any time. Take your time to read the contract papers, if necessary ask your contractor to let you keep it for a day. If you don’t understand the contract papers, use a lawyer to explain it to you

· Don’t just agree to whatever amount your contractor may suggest for temporary repairs, your covers only reasonable amount for temporary repairs. Moreover, paying a huge amount for temporary repairs might not leave you with any money for the permanent repair. Also avoid contractors who would ask for too low.

· Make payments by checks and not by cash. Also do not pay full amount in advance

· Include all the paper works related to the work in a file, keep all the signed contracts, bills, invoices, checks receipts, information about those who supply materials and also about the people your contractor might use. Keeping a job file is a must.