Lesson 1.2: Work Authorizations - Your Legal Foundation

The work authorization is the single most important document you'll use on every job. Without it, you're setting yourself up for payment problems, legal problems, and insurance problems. In this lesson, we'll walk through every section of a bulletproof work authorization.

What You'll Learn

• Why work authorizations must be signed BEFORE work begins
• The three critical functions: legal authorization, assignment of benefits, and customer expectations
• Section-by-section breakdown of the work authorization template
• How to handle objections when customers hesitate to sign

Key Sections Covered

• Property Information: Complete details for insurance verification
• Emergency Services Authorization: Checkboxes for specific work authorized
• Scope of Work: Affected areas and materials documented
• Assignment of Benefits: Direct billing authorization
• Payment Terms: Financial responsibilities clearly stated

Real Example

A contractor responded to a midnight basement flood. Great work, but didn't get authorization signed until two days later. Insurance noticed the date discrepancy and reduced the emergency response fee by $1,500.