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Better Business Bureau: Storm chasers already at work after hail hits Rockford

Staff Report

ROCKFORD – Severe weather like the Rockford area experienced Tuesday night often brings out the best in people, but unfortunately, the aftermath of a storm also brings out contractors taking advantage of those who have already been victimized.  

“Now more than ever, people working with businesses they can trust has never been more important,”  Rockford Better Business Bureau Director Dennis Horton said. “Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they often lack the proper licensing, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver. Consumers should always resist high pressure tactics and make sure to research contractors before hiring.”

BBB is reminding homeowners affected by the sever weather to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. 

There are some things you should do when hiring any contractor (such as getting three estimates, getting everything in writing, and paying with a credit card). Click here for BBB tips on hiring a contractor.

BBB also has these specific tips for victims of natural disasters:

Contact your insurance company. Ask about your policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors.

Public Adjusters. Are independent and do not work for the insurance companies. Choose a public adjuster carefully. Be sure you understand what services the public adjuster will provide and the fees he/she will charge. Illinois law requires that the public adjuster and the contract you enter be licensed/approved by the Department of Insurance. You do not have to hire a public adjuster. You may contact the Department to verify a public adjuster is licensed and the contract has been approved.

Do your research. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org. We have BBB Business Profiles on more than a million home contractors. Check your state or provincial government agency responsible for registering and/or licensing contractors. Get references from friends and relatives. 

Resist high-pressure sales tactics. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot. Be pro-active in selecting a contractor and not re-active to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches. Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor.

Be especially careful of door-to-door contractors. Many municipalities require a solicitation permit if salespeople go door-to-door. Ask for identification. Check their vehicle for a business name, phone number, and license plates for your state or province.

Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors. Get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection over other forms of payment). Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor any rights to your insurance claims. If you have questions, contact your insurance company or agent.

Be wary regarding places you can’t see. While most contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof and other areas of your house. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work. The same goes for attics, crawl spaces, ducts, and other places you cannot easily access or see for yourself.

BBB is also warning contractors to beware of storm chasers who offer to pay local construction companies substantial amounts of money to use the business’s established name, reputation, and phone. They masquerade as a local business, collect the insurance money and then move on, leaving the real business to deal with unsatisfied customers due to bad workmanship, unfinished work, or unfulfilled warranties.

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