Eddie
The insurance companies like to deal with national networks largely because of the paperwork and pricing systems they have in place. This makes it easier for their admin. What a lot of people don't realise about insurance companies is that they are not there to fix your house when something goes wrong, not primarily anyway. Their business is investments, your premium is their investment tool. The claims side of the business is a nightmare to them and they want to offload it as simply and cost effectively as possible.
Also what a lot of people are unaware of is, that they are legally entitled to use any contractor of their choice as long as they are competent. The insurance company will try and put them off by saying the work won't be guaranteed etc exactly for the reasons I have mentioned.
It is possible to pick some crumbs up as an independant, this entails a lot of ground work building up relationships with loss adjusters etc. Also some work available from the larger brokers who want to keep their clients happy and will send someone round to deal quickly. Some of the insurance companies do not have contractors on standby and it is sometimes the loss adjuster who turns up first, usually a few days after the event. I have been to numerous claims when two seperate insurance companies are involved (buildings and contents) and the policyholder has been told by the other that they will send a claim form out, this is when there is raw sewage lying all over the ground floor. I have seen pensioners with raw sewage throughout thier house waiting a week for someone to turn up.
Beware this kind of work is a nightmare, you are dealing with traumatised people who are glad to see you when they are in the thick of it, a few days later and enhanced awareness syndrome kicks in and they are out to get what they can get and whos in the direct fireing line...you.
You need to be properly trained and have a high standard of customer care (social work) and be thick skinned. It does have it's advantages, most people are very appreciative and it is satisfying when you deal with a good one. See some of my feedback on my website
www.novocastrian.netAnyone wanting to get into fire & flood, I will be expanding my supply business in the near future and I am only too happy to offer any advice.