If a contractor asks you to sign something called an Assignment of Benefits — or AOB — consider this before you grab a pen.  

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An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a legal agreement that allows a third party — usually a contractor, roofer, or restoration company — to take over your insurance claim on your behalf. When you sign an AOB, you're giving that company the right to deal directly with your insurance company, file paperwork, and even receive payment from the claim without needing your approval.

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It might sound convenient — especially when you're stressed and just want the repairs handled — but it’s important to understand exactly what you're agreeing to. While some contractors use AOBs responsibly, others use them to take control of the claim and may charge for work that’s overpriced, unnecessary, or even never completed. Once you’ve signed an AOB, you could be cut out of the conversation entirely — and in some cases, you may end up in the middle of a legal dispute between the contractor and your insurance company.

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"Let’s start with the pros:"

1. Convenience:   "An AOB means you won’t have to deal directly with the insurance company — the contractor takes care of it for you."
2. Faster Repairs:   "Some contractors will get started right away, even while the claim is still being processed."
3. Professional Handling:   "And some experienced vendors really do know how to navigate insurance paperwork — which can be a headache."

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"Now, here’s where you need to be careful — the cons."

1. Loss of Control:   "Once you sign, the contractor can make decisions about the claim — without checking in with you."
2. Inflated Charges:   "If they overcharge and your insurer refuses to pay the full bill — guess who’s stuck with the difference? You."
3. Legal Issues:   "In some cases, AOBs have led to lawsuits — and the homeowner got pulled right into the middle of it."
4. Quality Concerns:   "And if the contractor gets paid upfront, some might cut corners — or even disappear altogether."

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