Why SJ Drew / Insurance claims
Why choose SJ Drew when your project is an insurance claim
SJ Drew Construction Company LLC handles the insurance side of a restoration project directly — scope, adjuster meetings, supplements, and documentation — so you are not negotiating line items with your carrier while you are also dealing with the damage. We do this on every claim, not as an add-on service.
Important: you have the right to choose your own restoration contractor. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a particular vendor, even a "preferred" one. SJ Drew is independent of any carrier — our job is to put your property back, not to hit a carrier's cost target.
Call 24/7: (515) 393-2156How the claim process works with SJ Drew
Step 1: First notice of loss
You call us and your insurance carrier. We can start emergency mitigation — water extraction, board-up, temporary roof tarp — before a claim number is even issued. Most policies specifically require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage; that is what we are doing.
Step 2: Scope and documentation
We walk the property, document damage with photos and moisture readings, and write a detailed scope of work. This scope becomes the basis of the claim. Thorough scope at this stage is the difference between a covered rebuild and a partial reimbursement.
Step 3: Adjuster coordination
We meet the insurance adjuster on site, walk the damage together, and reconcile our scope against theirs. Where the adjuster's scope is short, we supply the documentation — line items, manufacturer specs, code requirements — that justifies the full scope.
Step 4: Supplements when needed
Hidden damage often surfaces mid-project. A supplement is a formal request to add items to an approved claim. We write supplements with full documentation and deal with the carrier's review — so the project does not stall while you call your insurance company.
Step 5: Mitigation AND rebuild in one contract
Because SJ Drew is a licensed general contractor in addition to a restoration company, the same contract covers drying, cleanup, AND rebuilding drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and finishes. One carrier relationship, not two.
Step 6: Final documentation
We provide a final project binder: photos, invoices, warranty documents, and proof of code-compliant rebuild. Useful for carrier final payment, and useful years later at resale.
SJ Drew vs. the alternatives on insurance claims
How we compare to the three alternatives most property owners are weighing: national restoration franchises, local mitigation-only shops, and DIY.
| Criterion | SJ Drew | National franchise | Mitigation-only | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who negotiates scope with adjuster | Our team | Franchisee (varies) | You often are | You are |
| Who writes supplements | Our team | Franchisee | Rarely offered | You write them |
| Who handles rebuild contract | Same team, same contract | Separate contractor you choose | Not offered | You do it |
| Upfront payment required | No — for covered claims | Usually no | Varies | N/A |
| Final documentation for your carrier | Full binder delivered | Varies | Limited | You assemble it |
Frequently asked questions
Does SJ Drew work directly with insurance companies?
Yes. SJ Drew coordinates directly with your insurance adjuster from first notice of loss through final invoicing — including scope development, on-site walkthroughs with the adjuster, supplements for hidden damage, and documentation the carrier needs to release final payment.
Do I have to use the restoration company my insurance company recommends?
No. In every state SJ Drew serves (Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee) you have the right to choose your own restoration contractor. Insurance "preferred" vendor lists benefit the carrier's cost controls — not necessarily your property.
Will I have to pay upfront if I have a covered claim?
No upfront payment is required for the mitigation portion of a covered insurance claim. Your deductible applies. SJ Drew bills the carrier directly for the remainder, following the approved scope and any supplements.
What is a supplement, and why does it matter?
A supplement is a formal request to add items to an already-approved insurance claim — typically for hidden damage discovered after work begins, or for items the initial adjuster scope missed. Proper supplements are the difference between a claim that covers the real repair and a claim that leaves you out of pocket. SJ Drew writes and pursues supplements on your behalf.
What documentation will I receive at the end of the project?
A full project binder containing: before/during/after photos, moisture and drying logs (for water projects), final invoices, line-item scope, manufacturer warranty documents, and proof of code-compliant rebuild. You use it to close out the claim and retain it for future resale or refinance.
Which insurance carriers has SJ Drew worked with?
SJ Drew has coordinated claims with every major national homeowners and commercial property carrier active in the Midwest. The process is largely standardized across carriers. If you are unsure how a specific carrier handles claims, call us and we will walk you through what to expect.
Let us handle the carrier. You handle your family.
Direct adjuster coordination from first notice of loss to final invoice.
Call (515) 393-2156