Before making repair decisions or signing an agreement with a contractor, the NICB recommends policyholders do the following:

Call your insurance company for details on your policy.
Get more than one estimate and get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules, and other expectations should be detailed and itemized.
Request references and do the research.
Ask to see the salesperson's driver's license and write down the license number and their vehicle's license plate number.
Look out for out-of-state contractor licenses, as well as vehicle registrations, as these may also indicate possible fraudulent contractors.
Never sign a contract with blanks; terms you don't agree with can be added later.
Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished.
Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance carrier. Signing an Assignment of Benefits agreement transfers your insurance rights to the contractor. Know what that means for you.
Never let a contractor pressure you into making a quick decision or hiring them or interpret the language of your insurance policy.
Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company. Contact your insurance company first.

Related:

Special Reports /

Tips for avoiding shady contractors following a wildfire & other disasters