Option to Repair (OTR), or Right to Repair, is policy language, based on state laws, that your insurance company can invoke.
This clause allows the company to direct a restoration company of its choice to perform any necessary repairs on your residence, rather than allowing you to select your own vendor.
We know you may have heard some horror stories about OTR assignments gone wrong. We’re no stranger to the bad press that this system has received — we’ve heard it from homeowners just like you! However, EIG is committed to changing that perception and providing you with exemplary service, regardless of whether you chose us, or your insurance company did.
We’re here to guide you through your questions and concerns regarding OTR. Our goal is to ensure that your home is reliably repaired and that you are fully informed regarding this process at every step.
My insurance carrier just invoked OTR on my claim! What does that mean for me?
Put simply, Option to Repair means that your insurance carrier is responsible for hiring the appropriate contractors or specialists to repair the reported damages on your home.
If EIG is assigned as your OTR vendor, a member of our home office will contact you and walk you through next steps. We take every job seriously, regardless of how your claim got referred to us, and our goal is to guide you through the claim and restoration process as efficiently as possible. We’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
My neighbor/cousin/best friend’s boyfriend’s uncle had a really bad experience with OTR. How can I make sure that this won’t happen to me?
We are aware that Option to Repair has a less-than-stellar reputation in some communities — we hear horror stories from homeowners like you. However, we are changing that perception, one job at a time.
When your claim is assigned to EIG, we promise you that all your repairs will be handled efficiently, professionally, and with the utmost attention to quality workmanship. Our team is committed to making sure that you are kept in the loop every step of the way.
Who does EIG work for?
In the case of an Option to Repair, EIG reports directly to your insurance carrier for all repairs. At EIG, we fully believe in treating all clients with the highest degree of attention and care. When your claim is being handled by our team, we work with you, as well as your carrier, to ensure that all repairs are done to your specifications.
We know how stressful home repairs can be, which is why we are committed to the highest levels of communication and quality, regardless of how your claim came to us.
For more information on what to expect from EIG’s restoration work, please see this blog post.
What responsibilities does the insurer have after OTR?
When a claim has Option to Repair invoked on it, your carrier generally assumes liability for all repairs completed on the project. This means that if the repairs completed are not sufficient (your new roof starts leaking, a new wall of siding starts peeling off, etc), your carrier is responsible and should ensure that your home is fully repaired to your satisfaction.
Additionally, in Florida, if a claim has been assigned as OTR and your policy is up for renewal within 90 days of the repairs being completed, your carrier cannot cancel or non-renew your policy during that time. This gives you some peace of mind in the instance that any repairs require additional work.
If you have any other questions regarding Option to Repair and how this may impact your claim, please contact our Customer Service team — we’re here to help