Sun Insurance Blog

After a natural disaster – how to avoid scams

8/25/2011 12:20:00 PM
One of the many urgent things you may need to do if your home is affected by a natural disaster is arrange for temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage, which is a requirement under the home insurance Orlando, FL residents need. Unfortunately, there are quite a few unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of victims of disaster by claiming to be building contractors and offering to do temporary building repairs. Let’s look at a few ways to avoid these frauds and scams:


Ask for identification such as a driver’s license, and make a note of the driver’s license number and the license plate number of the visitor’s vehicle.
Check out the contractor’s background; use a reputable local contractor who is currently licensed, insured for workers’ compensation and liability, and can provide references.
Never rush into signing a contract. Before you make any commitment to employ a contractor, get written quotes or estimates for the job from a few other contractors. Estimates should indicate cost and other details such as the extent of the work to be done, guarantees, and time schedules for completing work and making payments.
Be wary of a contractor who puts pressure on you to spend a lot on temporary repair work.
Never pay a contractor for repairs before the work has been satisfactorily completed.


The chaos, confusion and anxiety that can occur after a natural disaster give scammers the perfect environment in which to operate. Don’t get caught out; and if you’re unsure as to the level of repairs you might be obliged to carry out under the conditions of the homeowners insurance Orlando, Florida need to obtain, speak to the insurer or your agent to clarify the situation.


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