AAA: warns Florida homeowners about post-disaster scams

ORLANDO, Fla. — This week is Contractor Fraud Awareness week and AAA is warning homeowners to be skeptical of door-to-door solicitors offering repair services.

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June marks the start of hurricane season and AAA, along with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, want to help property owners avoid becoming a victim.

READ: Florida’s Special Session on property insurance begins Monday

“AAA is urging homeowners to be leery of contractors who go door-to-door in damaged neighborhoods offering cleanup or repair services after a catastrophe,” said Bobby Futch, Vice President of Claims for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While some of these workers may be honest and reputable; there are those looking to take advantage of residents at their most vulnerable time.”

Tips you can use to not be taken advantage of:

Dishonest contractors may try to pocket more profit by

• Accepting payment then never completing (or even showing up for) the job.

• Using inferior materials or performing shoddy work that’s not up to code.

Working with your Insurance Provider

• Call your insurance company first if you think you might 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 up front or over the phone.

Hiring a Contractor

• 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, write down the license number and their vehicle’s license plate number.

Getting the Work Done

• 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, and ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

If you didn’t Request it - Reject it.

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.

If you think you or someone you know may be a victim of insurance fraud contact your insurance company or you can call the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or report it on-line here.

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