- That’s a smart way to look at it. I’ve seen folks get creative with the “like for like” rule—sometimes you can nudge a claim just enough to swap in something greener or more durable, as long as you don’t go over budget. Insurance adjusters usually care more about cost than brand or color, in my experience. It’s not a windfall, but it’s a chance to make small improvements that add up over time.
Insurance adjusters usually care more about cost than brand or color, in my experience. It’s not a windfall, but it’s a chance to make small improvements that add up over time.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had adjusters push back on “like for like” if I tried to upgrade—even if the cost was the same. One guy told me, “If it wasn’t green before, it’s not green now.” Maybe it depends on the company or the adjuster’s mood that day? Sometimes you can sneak in a better material, but I wouldn’t count on it every time.
BUILDER INSURANCE—EVER WONDERED WHO COVERS THE MISHAPS?
That tracks with what I’ve seen. Some adjusters are sticklers for “like for like,” even if you’re not asking for an upgrade in price—almost like they’re following a script. I’ve had one insist on matching a discontinued tile, down to the grout color, which was just... impossible. Ended up in a weird standoff until we found a close enough match that didn’t trigger another round of paperwork.
It’s odd, because technically, most policies say “of like kind and quality,” but nobody seems to agree on what that actually means. Is it just color? Brand? Or does it include stuff like durability or updated codes? I’ve noticed some adjusters really dig in if you try to use a different supplier—even if the specs are identical.
Has anyone ever managed to get a clear answer from an insurer about what’s actually covered when materials aren’t available anymore? Feels like every claim is a negotiation, and you never know which way it’ll go until you’re knee-deep in it.
- Totally get the frustration—“like kind and quality” is such a gray area.
- In my experience, if the original material’s discontinued, I’ve had some luck getting approval for eco-friendly alternatives, especially if there’s documentation showing the original isn’t available.
- Sometimes you have to push back and provide proof (emails from suppliers, photos, etc.) that a true match just isn’t possible.
- Adjusters seem to interpret things differently, but I’ve found referencing updated building codes or sustainability standards can help sway them.
- It’s rarely a quick answer, but persistence and solid documentation usually get you closer to a fair solution.
Builder Insurance—Ever Wondered Who Covers the Mishaps?
That gray area around “like kind and quality” really threw me off during my build. I had a similar issue with discontinued tile, and it took way more back-and-forth than I expected. The adjuster wanted to settle for something that honestly looked nothing like the original. I ended up sending side-by-side photos, which helped, but it was a hassle. One thing I noticed—sometimes they’ll push for the cheapest option unless you’re really clear about why it won’t work. Documentation definitely matters, but I wish there was less subjectivity in these calls.