Be Cautious Hiring Help with Catastrophe Recovery

Residents recovering from Hurricane Gustav should not let their guard down. Consider the following tips from Allstate (NYSE: ALL) to protect your property from unscrupulous contractors and ensure you are working with true professionals who can repair your homes and partner with you to begin the rebuilding process.

Ten Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed:

1. Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home.

2. Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.

3. Check contractors’ credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association.

4. Inspect contractors’ licenses and proof of liability insurance.

5. Get a contract in writing.

6. Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable contractors will require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments shouldn’t exceed the cost of materials or 20 percent of the total estimate.

7. Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.

8. If anyone performs unauthorized work on your house or property and demands payment, consider contacting local authorities.

9. Don’t sign over an insurance settlement check to the contractor.

10. Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local police, sheriff’s department or your state’s Department of Insurance.

Allstate policyholders who have suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Gustav should call 800-54-STORM to file a claim. Allstate is prepared to work side-by-side with our policyholders during the recovery process.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.