Why Are Insurers’ Managed Repair Programs Problematic?

When your Florida home is damaged by a hurricane, water leak, or storm, your first call is usually to your insurance company. But what happens when the insurer decides who will repair your home, not you? This is the core issue behind managed repair programs (MRPs), and they’re becoming increasingly controversial across Florida.

While these programs are marketed as “convenient,” many policyholders quickly discover that managed repair programs often benefit the insurer more than the insured. Below, we explain why these programs are problematic and how they can lead to delayed, low-quality, or incomplete repairs while stripping away your legal rights.

What Is a Managed Repair Program (MRP)?

A Managed Repair Program is a clause in some Florida homeowners’ insurance policies that requires you to use the insurance company’s “preferred” or “approved” contractors to fix your property.

In many cases:

  • You lose the right to choose your contractor
  • The insurer selects who will repair your home
  • You cannot recover the cost of repairs if you use someone else, even if they’re more qualified

Insurers often bundle this into a “right to repair” clause, buried in the fine print of your policy.

1. Loss of Control Over Your Home

Managed repair programs strip homeowners of the fundamental right to control how and by whom their property is repaired. Instead of choosing a contractor you trust, the insurance company chooses one with its bottom line in mind.

2. Questionable Contractor Quality

Insurance companies often select contractors who work for less, rather than those with the highest skills or best reputations.

This can lead to:

  • Shoddy workmanship
  • Unlicensed subcontractors
  • Code violations
  • Incomplete or cosmetic-only repairs

3. No Warranty or Accountability

When things go wrong, and they often do, you may find that:

  • The insurer disclaims responsibility, claiming the contractor was an independent party
  • The contractor offers no warranty or refuses to come back
  • You’re stuck with repairs that don’t pass inspection, but no legal recourse

4. Delayed Repairs

Insurer-controlled repairs are notorious for delays. You could wait weeks or months before a contractor shows up, especially after a hurricane or flood when demand spikes.

Some common delays include:

  • Long wait times for approval
  • Poor scheduling by the insurer’s network
  • Low prioritization of your claim

5. Conflict of Interest

The insurance company wants to save money, and the contractor wants to keep getting work from that insurer. This creates a built-in incentive to cut corners, avoid complete repairs, or deny hidden damage, all at your expense.

Legal Challenges with Managed Repair Programs

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that:

  • The MRP clause is legally binding unless challenged
  • If you reject the insurer’s contractor, your claim may be denied
  • You could be accused of breach of contract for choosing your repair professional

That’s why consulting with a Florida insurance claim attorney early is so important, especially before you sign anything or allow work to begin.

How a Property Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help

An expert Florida insurance lawyer can help you:

  • Review your policy to identify and challenge managed repair clauses.
  • Negotiate directly with your insurer to retain control over your own repair process.
  • Hold the insurer accountable if work done through their MRP is defective or delayed.

While managed repair programs may seem convenient at first glance, they often benefit the insurer far more than the homeowner. If you’re dealing with significant property damage, don’t let the insurer dictate the repair process. Instead, consult our expert property insurance lawyers to protect your rights, ensure fair treatment, and secure the full value of your claim