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Health & Fitness

Consumer Fraud Task Force Warns About Storm-Chasing Contractors

Friday night's storm left many homeowners with damage that needs repair quickly. The Consumer Fraud Task Force - which includes the Better Business Bureau - advises consumers to watch out for storm-chasing contractors.

After a storm, contractors sometimes go door-to-door in areas that suffered damage, promising to fix a roof for "no deductible." These contractors sometimes disappear after getting a consumer to pay a deposit or sign over their insurance check. Out-of-town contractors can be a particular problem because consumers can have trouble getting in touch with them after repairs or made, if they're made at all.

The task force has the following tips for consumers who want to hire a contractor for repairs:

  1. Before signing any agreement, check with your insurance company and read your policy carefully to determine the extent of your coverage. In many instances, your insurer already has relationships with well established, reputable companies.
  2. Know who you are dealing with. Find out where the company is headquartered and how long it has been doing business in your community. Does the company have an established office in your area or simply a postal box? Watch for out-of-state phone numbers and license plates.
  3. Find out whether the contractor is bonded and insured against accidents or issues with workmanship. Ask to see copies of this paperwork.  If a company is soliciting business door-to-door, does it have a legitimate soliciting permit?  If you are unsure, call your local government officials to find out.
  4. Ask the company for references and call those property owners. Ask them whether the jobs were performed as agreed and if they were satisfied with the results.
  5. Ask for a written contract and read it to ensure that everything mentioned by the salesperson is included. Make sure it includes all details of the work as well as when and how payments are to be made and when work will be completed.
  6. Find out if there is a cancellation penalty if you terminate the contract before the work begins.
  7. Beware of any company that suggests you do not have to pay your insurance deductible.  Such a claim is illegal in many states, including Missouri and Illinois.
  8. Get more than one estimate.
  9. Do not pay the entire amount in advance. Hold back a portion of the payment until all work is completed to your satisfaction.  In many instances, materials represent about one third of the total cost to the contractor.  It is reasonable for the contractor to secure their interest in the materials upfront, but withholding payment beyond this puts you in a better position to ensure the work is completed properly and on time.
  10. Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a BBB Business Review by calling 314-645-3300 or by going to www.bbb.org.

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