Summer Storms

AUG 14

There have been several severe storms across Minnesota in the last week and possibly more in the near-term forecast. Many homeowners are reporting a rash of unsolicited phone calls from companies claiming to be roofing contractors asking to set up inspections to check for damage.
The Insurance Federation of Minnesota warns consumers that many of the calls from what appear to be legitimate roofing companies are actually from sales lead generating companies not affiliated with any local roofing companies.
“It’s common for homeowners to get a call or visit from a company claiming to be a local roofing firm, but in reality, many of the storm chasers are fly-by-night contractors,” says IFM President Aaron Cocking. “These unscrupulous companies pressure homeowners into signing contacts when often the home has suffered very little, if any damage at all.”
Thanks to an IFM-sponsored state law passed a decade ago, homeowners who sign contracts but later find their home did not actually suffer damage, are allowed to rescind the contact with no penalty.
When someone suffers a loss, it can be a very emotional or worrisome time. The Insurance Federation strongly recommends that policyholders do homework to check out any potential roofing contractor, so that they aren’t taken advantage of. It’s important to remember that a policyholder can pick any contractor of their choice.

Make sure the contractor:

• Has a locally staffed office
• Is licensed with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
• Carries general liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage

If your home did suffer damage, the following tips will help the claims process go more smoothly:

• CAREFULLY make temporary accommodations to prevent further damage but do not risk injury to yourself or others in doing so.
• Document with photos, videos and notes the extent of the damage.
• Contact your insurance agent or insurers’ claims hotline as soon as possible.
• Keep receipts of whatever you might spend on cleanup, temporary repair or emergency expenses. In many cases, these costs are reimbursable.

The Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a non-profit state trade association representing insurers doing business in Minnesota. The IFM also supports the Insurance Help Line, offering free, unbiased answers to questions about insurance. Questions are taken 24 hours a day by visiting our website at www.insurancefederation.org and clicking on the Insurance HelpLine link.