No, they should not expect to use the old granite without re cutting it in the field. If it doesn't break in the meantime from being stored on a construction site.

It is possible. In fact, I did it again about 2 weeks ago. We pulled the granite, removed old cabinets, installed new cabinets, and then had the old granite installed. Just have to make sure the new cabinets fit inside the footprint of the old tops.

It is possible, but it's always a possibility it will break, or that the seam will look a little worse.
In the above kitchen, we changed from a free standing range to a slide in, and had a small strip of granite fabricated to make it work. The seam looked better than it originally did (thanks to the time and effort of the installer). It worked out well this time.

Also have pulled cabinets and installed new ones without removing the counters. Involves building a support structure to support tops while removing and installing new cabinets.

Have also been hired to demo Insurance jobs so that if the cabinets or tops aren't salvageable, the contractor/homeowner doesn't have as much of a fight with the Ins Co over it.

Have done the same with quartz and solid surface. So it's possible, and pretty much standard practice for the Ins Co to only pay if the surface is damage and unusable.

As far as fitting your walls. If you have no type of splash (4" or full, tile or whatever) then you'll probably have some gaps. Just depends on how the wall is and how the top is. Unless you are going to go out of pocket for new material, you're going to have to let them try. If you do want new tops, they won't ever be cheaper for you, because the Ins Co is going to have to pay for the install on old or new tops, so you're only out the material + fabrication costs.

Sophie, I'm okay with them cutting them to fit on site or off. My worry is that the space will be bigger and there will be large gaps to be filled. If the space is smaller, they should be able to template and cut to fit, right?

Christina222, that is a brilliant idea to film them. Ours is not a large piece and it has already been removed (no one said it broke, but that doesn't mean it didn't) and is being stored who knows where. I can't film it being taken out, but I can film it going back in and being (re)fabricated if they do it on site. I have great respect for you for fighting for it. I'm pretty over fighting with the insurers. They have pretty much worn me down.

Taylor's cabs, have you ever reinstalled when the walls have also been removed and rebuilt, not just the cabs? if so, how did it go?

Down to studs, yes. Plaster replaced by drywall, No.
As long as you are putting some sort of backsplash up, minor gaps shouldn't be a problem. If you aren't using a splash of any kind, then you'll have to cross that bridge after the tops are put back in. The tops sit on the cabinets, and as long as the cabinets fit inside the top footprint, that shouldn't be a problem.

You do however need the A team for the install. They need to be comfortable with dressing the seams, cutting, profiling edges.

Until the tops are put back, you're stressing over nothing. Insurance only pays to replace what's damaged, and until the tops are damaged, they aren't going to replace them.

I've no experience with re-using granite, but just wanted to say that I'm disappointed for you! Down to the studs is exciting--I hope you're soon enjoying your new kitchen.

When we demoed our kitchen last year, my sister took it all -- cabinets, granite, massive Kohler cast iron sink, faucets, and even the range, and installed it in her downstairs canning kitchen. They hauled the granite 200 miles in the back of their Ford 350 dual-axle. We did wrap it in blankets and load it on edge between the cabs. One edge had to be site-trimmed and and my BIL did it himself with (I think) his regular saw and my sister kept it wet. It fit like a glove in the end. So . . .go figure. The chances weren't good, but they did it and it looks amazing.

I will say that in our insurance fight the insurance only wanted to pay for the portion of the floor that was damaged (about 40 sq ft). Prior to filing a claim I spoke with several companies about piecing new floor into the old floor. Because it was natural maple and 8 years old they all said there was no way that it would match due to the wood ambering over time (I knew this before calling, but I wanted ammunition). Well, wouldn't you know that is what the adjuster started in with. After showing him my full replacement policy (and where it says it has to be put back together like it was) he said he would have to get back to me. 3 hours later he called me back and said he talked to his manager and they would be replacing the entire floor (and removing and reinstalling the cabinets so the floor would run under it like it was currently). I'll never not have a policy that has replacement cost. Having a countertop that doesn't fit like it should wouldn't meet my standards, and I would fight that fight. However, I probably would have had to let them at least try to make the old granite work. Hopefully it all works out for you in the end.

On another note, though. Someone mentioned buying new material and letting the insurance pay for the install. We basically did that. We took the money from the removal and reinstallation of the old cabinets and put it towards the cost of new cabinets and installing wood throughout the first level except the bedrooms/bathrooms (about 600sq ft additional wood). We're basically getting a 35k remodel for 15k of our own money. This might be the time to put some of your own money into it.

Mzlizzie, that is good to hear. Because our run is short and fairly solid (just a sink cut out and sink remained in which will give it support) I'm actually fairly certain it will survive. I'm more worried about the fit after. I didn't even think of this until I went to order the few new cabs we need and spoke to the KD. She seemed to think it was crazy and that there was no way granite would fit back in. I'm meeting with the contractor tomorrow so I can bring this to his attention and see if he can make sure the walls are bigger rather than smaller so that we get as tight a fit as possible.

Mamagoose, I know, right? I must have mismeasured somewhere along the line because when the designer came in and did a real floor plan, there just wasn't enough room. We are still opening up the wall and doing the new island, but the rest is essentially the same.

Eric, I completely agree. We have full replacement too and, for the most part, it has been great. We are doing just as you suggest and throwing a lot of our own money into getting a lot of stuff done now while everything is torn apart. The only problem is that it is the whole house (4 floors in total) and the costs are mounting quickly. We are able to put in about $50 grand of our own money, but it is being eaten up pretty quickly by things like new furnace/AC, adding a master bath, etc. Amazing how fast it goes when you are trying to update a 100 year old house - it will be worth it in the end, but I'm still not sure I'll make it to the end :)

I have re-fabricated granite and solid surface that came out of one house/showroom and into another many times. It depends on the configuration and the quality of the original installation as to whether or not it will break, but I plan on it. My repairs are stronger than the original stone and if the client doesn't see it happen, it's unlikely they will ever find it.

The problem with this is cost effectiveness. Were I bidding on a cabinet installation that had the additional parameter of making sure an existing top would fit, I would charge considerably more. This, in combination with the relatively low cost of granite, makes the insurance man's attempt to save money suspect.