My Insurance Company Wants Me to Use Their Guy. Do I Have To?
Derrick Fredendall
You’re standing in your home, dealing with the shock and stress of water or mold damage. The insurance adjuster is on the phone, and after explaining your situation, they say something like, “Okay, we’ll send out one of our preferred contractors to handle it.”
For many Oklahoma homeowners, this feels like a command. It’s a moment of immense pressure where you might feel like you have no choice. But do you have to go with their guy?
As your veteran-owned, neighborly restoration experts, we want to give you a clear, straight answer backed by your rights as an Oklahoman: No, you do not.
This guide will walk you through what a “preferred vendor” program is, what your rights are, and how to confidently choose the best contractor for you, not for your insurance company.
In a crisis, you should have a team that works for you, not for the insurance company. Your only job is to get your life back to normal. Our job is to make sure the restoration is done right, with your best interests at heart. Period.
What is a "Preferred Vendor," Anyway?
Insurance companies create networks of “preferred” contractors who agree to work for specific rates and follow certain procedures. When you have a claim, your adjuster might recommend one of these vendors because the process can seem simpler—the pricing is pre-negotiated, and the billing often goes directly to the insurer.
On the surface, it sounds convenient. But it’s important to ask a crucial question: Who is that contractor really working for?
While many preferred vendors do good work, their primary business relationship is with the insurance company. Their incentive can sometimes be to complete the job at the lowest possible cost to the insurer, which may not always align with the most thorough and complete restoration for your home.
Your Rights as an Oklahoma Homeowner
Here is the most important thing you need to know: In the state of Oklahoma, you have the right to choose who performs work on your property. This is a fundamental consumer right.
Your insurance company can recommend a contractor, but they cannot require you to use them. Forcing you to use their chosen vendor is a practice known as “steering,” and consumer protection laws are in place to prevent it. For more information, the Oklahoma Insurance Department is the official resource for understanding your rights as a policyholder.
You are in control. You get to decide which licensed and insured company you trust to bring into your home and restore your peace of mind.
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What to Say When You Feel Pressured
Knowing your rights is one thing; feeling confident enough to assert them is another. If you want to choose your own contractor, here are a few polite but firm things you can say to your adjuster:
- “Thank you for the recommendation. I appreciate it, but I’ll be getting estimates from my own licensed and insured contractor.”
- “We’ve decided to work with a local, IICRC-certified company that a neighbor recommended to us.”
- “To ensure the job is done to our standards, we’d like to choose our own restoration expert. We will provide you with their detailed estimate for your review.”
Reputable, non-profit consumer advocacy groups like United Policyholders consistently advise homeowners to be proactive and vet contractors themselves to ensure their interests are put first.
Why Choosing Your Own Local Contractor Matters
When you choose an independent, local company, their only priority is you—the homeowner. Their reputation isn’t built on a contract with a big insurance carrier; it’s built on word-of-mouth from your friends and neighbors right here in the OKC community.
As a local, veteran-owned business, our only mission is to serve our neighbors with duty and integrity. We document everything meticulously, use industry-standard pricing, and communicate with you every step of the way to ensure the job is done right. We work for you, to get your home back to the way it should be. You can learn more about the local veterans behind 4D Restoration and our commitment to our community.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, take a deep breath. Remember that you have the right to choose a restoration company that you feel confident will put your family’s safety and your home’s integrity first.
If you have questions about the insurance process or need a second opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help our neighbors navigate the confusion. For more information, visit our Insurance Claims Help page or give us a call.
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Meet the Author:
Derrick Fredendall
Hey, I’m Derrick — co‑founder of 4D Restoration, former Oklahoma Army National Guard (13D), and a currently active RN working right here in our local hospital systems. I carry IICRC’s WRT, ASD, and AMRT credentials (plus an OSHA‑30 card), so whether I’m running triage on a flooded living room or a patient bedside, you’re in steady, certified hands. My mission is simple: keep Oklahoma families safe, healthy, and back in their homes—fast.
Your Top Restoration Questions—Answered by Local Experts
Will insurance pay for drying equipment?
Yes—if the water loss is covered, the carrier pays for certified drying gear we install.
Is floodwater ever covered under homeowners insurance?
No. You need separate NFIP or private flood insurance for rising groundwater.
Does a small ceiling stain count as sudden damage?
Usually not. Stains suggest a slow leak, which insurers label maintenance, not an insurable peril.
How long do I have to file a water‑damage claim in Oklahoma?
Most policies require notice “promptly” or within 60 days—file as soon as you discover damage.
Will a claim raise my premium?
Possibly. One claim often has little impact, but multiple water claims in three years can trigger surcharges.