How We Verify Contractors
If we can't verify it, we won't show it.
The Contractor Accountability Loop
Every contractor listed on WaterDamageFinder passes an initial verification before going live, then enters a quarterly re-verification cycle. Here's what we check:
Response time
Verified through confirmed job data, not self-reported. We cross-reference completion timestamps against initial contact records.
Insurance carrier partnerships
Cross-referenced directly with carriers. We do not rely on contractor-provided documentation alone.
Licensing and certifications
Verified at the state level through official licensing databases at onboarding and every quarter thereafter.
Equipment and methodology
Direct confirmation of drying equipment capacity and IICRC-standard procedures. Spot-checked on re-verification.
Verification frequency: Quarterly updates for all active listings. Any listing that misses a verification cycle is flagged and hidden until re-verified.
What Gets a Contractor Delisted
Delisting is not a last resort — it's the default response to a failed verification. The following trigger immediate review:
- Failed verification on response time or licensing
- Unresolved homeowner reports (48-hour investigation window with no resolution)
- Insurance partnership changes not reported within 30 days
- Evidence of inflated job data or falsified response records
When a contractor is delisted, the reason remains visible on a public record page for 90 days.
Report a Problem
See something wrong? Every contractor listing has a “Report a Problem” button. We investigate within 48 hours and post a public resolution — whether that's a correction, a warning notice, or a delisting. Nothing gets buried.
How This Is Different from Star Ratings
Star ratings measure sentiment. A contractor with a 4.8-star average can still have a 6-hour response time and no insurance network affiliation — neither of which shows up in a review.
Star ratings are also gameable: contractors can solicit reviews from satisfied customers while ignoring complaints. Verification isn't. You either have a current license or you don't. Your response time records either match confirmed jobs or they don't. There's no five-star version of an expired certification.