A hailstorm has just ravaged
your local area, and suddenly there are people at your door telling you they
can repair your home’s damage quickly and easily.
Before you sign a contract,
remember that fraudsters often follow severe weather. These unscrupulous
repairmen are looking to make a quick dollar. The scam involves accepting your
money and then doing little or no work to repair the damage caused by the
storm.
“Storm-chasing contractors are
transient, moving around the country following recent storm activity to
increase their chances of getting a sale,” says Chad Tuttoilmondo, a property
claims specialist at Erie Insurance.
“They are driven by volume and oftentimes do not have a homeowner’s best
interest in mind.”
Having to deal with weather
damage is bad enough; don’t become a victim of hail fraud as
well.
“Due diligence should be a
part of the research any homeowner does prior to hiring a contractor,” says
Tuttoilmondo says. To do your part, consult a hiring a contractor checklist
before you give someone the job.
Tuttoilmondo also recommends
contacting your Erie
Insurance Agent immediately. “Take note of the date and time of loss, and
take photos that can help support your claim,” he says. A legitimate contractor
will be ready to work with your insurance company throughout the repairs, while
a “storm chaser” will move on in hopes of easier money.
Finally, do not authorize any
repair work to be completed prior to the adjuster’s inspection. (The same
applies to discarding any property that was damaged.) Evidence plays a crucial
role when it comes to settling your claim.
