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.
