GAYLORD (WWJ) -- Homeowners dealing with damage in the wake of this past weekend's catastrophic tornado in Gaylord may be desperate for help -- but watch out for dishonest contractors.
AAA, partnering with the National Insurance Crime Bureau for Contractor Fraud Awareness Week -- which runs May 23-27 -- says some contractors will go door-to-door in damaged neighborhoods to take advantage of vulnerable residents.
These dishonest contractors may accept payment -- then never complete the job. AAA said that they'll also use inferior materials or perform work that's not up to code.
The Auto Club Group suggests working with your insurance provider to repair damage. When contacting your insurer, follow these tips:
• Call your insurance company first if you have damage from a storm or other disaster.
• Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurer.
• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
• Be on the lookout for people calling and saying they are with a national carrier.
• Do not provide ANY personal information over the phone without them first confirming a claim number.
• If something sounds fishy, report it to your insurance company immediately.
• Note that insurance carriers will never ask you to pay your deductible upfront or over the phone.
Related
If you are intending to work with a contractor, AAA says to take these following tips into account:
• Get more than one estimate. Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
• Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
• Request references and check them.
• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license, and write down the license number and their vehicle’s license plate number.
• Get contract terms in writing. Cost, time schedules, payment schedules, guarantees, work to be done, and other expectations should be detailed.
• Never sign a contract with blanks.
• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished.
• Ensure reconstruction is up to the current code.
• If you didn’t request it -- reject it.
Related
If you believe you’ve been approached by an unlicensed contractor or adjuster, or have been encouraged to fabricate an insurance claim, contact your insurance company or NICB immediately.
Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud can report it anonymously at 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422) or online HERE.
