How to Contract With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies outsource repairs to contractors, who are responsible for finding their own business leads. New contractors may find prospecting a bit challenging. It is wise to get experience in repairs and start a portfolio of jobs you have completed. This establishes professionalism and makes it easier to secure contracts with large insurance companies.
- Obtain the appropriate license and insurance. Contractors need a business license, contractor's license and liability insurance. Your state may require you to take a test to receive your contractor's license.
- Establish your professional appearance. Print business cards. Set up an invoicing system for billing. Find easy-to-use software for invoicing and bookkeeping. Obtain a dedicated phone line with a professional-sounding voicemail. A cell phone works fine for this purpose.
- Write a list of insurance companies to contact and offer your services. You can deal with as many companies that agree to work with you. Check each company's ratings online. Choose companies with high ratings.
- Place phone calls to each company and ask for their new contractor application process. Complete the requirements for each agency and give a business card to each one. Some agencies may want to see a portfolio prior to contracting. If you do not have a portfolio, keep these companies in mind and contact them when you have a portfolio that includes at least 15 jobs.
- Draft a general service contract or have an attorney draft one for you. If you write your own, ask a lawyer to review it. Sign the contracts, and obtain the appropriate signatures from authorized representatives at the insurance companies.