Subrogation is your insurer’s right to pursue a third party that caused the loss, to recover the money they paid on your claim. For instance, if a subcontractor’s error causes a claim on your policy, your insurer may pay you but then sue that subcontractor to get their money back. Your policy will have a clause about this. It matters because you may be required to cooperate with this process and should avoid agreements that waive your insurer’s subrogation rights without their consent.

This is common. The insurer will often argue the estimate is too high or includes unnecessary work. Do not automatically accept their counter-offer. Have your contractor review the insurer’s estimate line-by-line to identify specific omissions or cost differences. Your contractor can then provide a written rebuttal, justifying their scope and costs. This documented professional disagreement strengthens your position in negotiations and may necessitate involving a neutral third-party appraiser.

Yes, photos from a modern smartphone are perfectly acceptable and highly effective. Ensure your phone’s date and time stamps are correct, as this metadata is automatically recorded. Use the highest resolution setting and ensure images are clear and in focus. Avoid using filters or editing the photos. The authenticity of the original, unaltered image file is what makes it compelling evidence for investigators and insurance adjusters.