The length of this type of claim depends on several factors including:

• The amount or severity of damage.
• The availability of contractors or materials, especially after a natural disaster.
• Your availability.

You can request to use a USAA-preferred contractor. But you have the right to use a contractor of your choice to repair your home. We're prohibited by law from requiring that repairs be done by a specific contractor. Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairing your home no matter who you choose.

If you prefer help, we can give you a list of qualified service providers. With a USAA-preferred contractor, you get:

• A five-year warranty.
• Convenient scheduling.
• An estimate that's available on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App.

You can ask others for recommendations. Ask your friends or family what it's like working with a specific contractor and determine if that will work for you.

You can search online. Read reviews and investigate the companies background with a website like the Better Business Bureau or other consumer rating company.

Some damage isn't visible until work begins. If there are additional damages or costs, message your adjuster before starting work. Your policy may cover the additional damage with a supplement.

A supplement is an estimate that outlines any incremental cost or damage. An additional payment may be made to you or your contractor to cover the costs.

Your policy will only pay for what's covered under your claim and doesn't cover the added cost of improvements or upgraded items. If the repairs are going to cost more than the estimate and you want a review of the supplement for payment, you can use the Claim Communication Center to submit an itemized estimate with photos showing the need for an increase.

If you're comfortable providing your contractor access to your home, it isn't necessary to be there. But this is at your discretion.

If possible, work with your contractor directly. If you're unable to resolve your concerns or if you're having repeat problems with your contractor, contact your adjuster. If you've decided to no longer work with the contractor, send a message through usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App, so they can advise you on the next steps.

Send your adjuster a message immediately on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App. They can advise you on next steps.