Homeowners Warned About Contractor Scam

5/24/2014

WEIRTON After recent hail storms to the area, one local insurance agency warns homeowners to exercise caution when dealing with out-of-town contractors claiming to represent their homeowners insurance carrier.

Assure America urges homeowners not to sign any unsolicited repair offers without having either their insurance agent or their attorney review the contract.

Angela Frazier, vice president of personal lines for Assure America stated, “We have had a number of policy holders call us informing that an out-of-town contractor solicited them to repair hail damage to their roof. These contractors typically have the homeowner sign a binding contract that allows them to file a claim with the homeowners insurer and obligates the homeowner to penalty fees if they cancel the contract.”

Frazier added, “Insurance companies do not directly approach any policyholders after inclement weather so these companies do not represent your insurer. They follow weather patterns then visit those areas looking to generate work. If you suspect weather damage to your home, we advise our clients to call your insurance agent to have an adjuster inspect your home and discuss whether or not it makes sense to file a claim. In short, accepting any unsolicited offers from an unknown contractor to repair your home after a storm is generally a bad idea.

Source Weirton Daily Times