Marc Gerardis, insurance agent for the Southwest Conference, recently shared these tips with us that may be helpful for our congregations as we approach storm season.

Repair scams tend to increase after storms and disasters, but they can happen year-round.

Pay attention to these five misleading comments:

‘We’ll Give You a Free Estimate.’

While many contractors will provide an honest assessment at no cost, avoid allowing someone you don’t know to inspect your roof.

‘We’ll Waive Your Deductible.’

If someone offers to pay, rebate, or waive your deductible, you may be dealing with a person willing to commit insurance fraud or in some cases, it may break state law.

‘We’ll Handle Your Claim.’

Beware if a storm repair company offers to file insurance paperwork on your behalf. It may inflate cost estimates and demand payment for work or supplies that you don’t receive.

‘We’ll Subcontract the Job.’

For best results, you’ll want to work with a bonded, insured contractor who is licensed in your state. This gives you some assurance of quality, as well as recourse for incomplete or unsatisfactory work.

‘Pay Us, and We’ll Get Right to Work.’

Refuse to deal with anyone pressuring you to sign a contract or insisting you pay them right away.