manhattan42 wrote:

Again,
You normally cannot make a claim against someone else's insurer. They
do not represent you, they represent the one's who pay their premiums.
In this case, the contractor.

You do not have a contract with that contractor's insurer and they are
under no obligation to pay you.

In this case, only the contractor can file a claim with his liability
insurer.

It will then be the contractor's liability insurance company's
responsibility to defend him from any legal claims you bring.

This is why if you approach any insurance company for satisfaction, it
has to be your own. They can pay for your claim (less your deductible)
then file suit against the contractor and his insured to be
reimbursed.

If you do not wish to involve your own insurance company, your only
option is to take the contractor to small claims court, represent
yourself or hire your own attorney at your own expense, and battle
against the contractor and his insurance company provided attorneys who
will do their best to make sure you lose.

Again, the simplest solution here is to chalk it up to experience and
move on.

Regards.


Especially for the small amount involved.