The roofing industry is one of the most complex and vulnerable markets to scams. Unfortunately, scammers use all sorts of tricks and tactics to prey on unsuspecting victims who are just trying to repair their homes after a storm or other natural disaster.
At Select Adjusters, we pride ourselves as leading public adjusters in Phoenix Arizona. We know that when a homeowner is faced with an emergency roof repair, they want to find someone who can get the job done quickly and cost-effectively. But if you are not careful, you could end up being scammed out of thousands of dollars by unscrupulous scam artists. Here are some tips for spotting and avoiding emergency roof repair insurance scams:
The storm chasers.
After a storm or other natural disaster, scam artists known as “storm chasers” may make their way into neighborhoods. They often knock on doors offering unbelievably low-cost roof repair deals that can sound too good to be true. In reality, they use these schemes to collect money upfront and then never finish the job. It is always important to do your research before trusting anyone with such an important task.
Upfront payments.
Be wary of any contractor that asks for payment upfront. Legitimate roofing companies work on a payment schedule, meaning they will collect money at different points throughout the job. If you are ever asked to pay the entire amount of the bill upfront, be sure to ask questions and double-check their credentials before handing over your hard-earned cash.
Verify insurance coverage.
Insurance is designed to protect both homeowners and contractors from financial losses due to accidents or other unforeseen circumstances. Before signing a contract with a roofing company, make sure you verify that they have adequate insurance coverage for the job at hand. This includes everything from worker’s compensation insurance to general liability insurance.
Check references and reviews.
A good rule of thumb for vetting any contractor is to check their references and reviews. Ask the company for a list of previous customers, or look up reviews online from satisfied customers. This will help you get an idea of how reliable and trustworthy they are before signing any paperwork.
Be wary of unsolicited offers.
It’s best practice to avoid contractors who show up unexpectedly at your door offering emergency roof repairs after a storm or other natural disaster. Do not sign any contracts until you have done your due diligence and made sure that the individual is reliable and trustworthy enough for such an important job.
Unlicensed and uncertified contractors.
It’s important to make sure that any contractor you choose is properly licensed, insured, and certified. It is illegal for contractors to operate without the proper credentials, and it can leave you unprotected in case something goes wrong. Be sure to ask for proof of licensing and check it out thoroughly before signing any contracts or agreeing to have work performed on your property.
Check with your insurance provider.
Before signing up for emergency roof repairs after a storm or other natural disaster, be sure to check with your insurance provider first. Make sure they are aware of the situation and what kind of coverage you might need. This way you can ensure that any repairs being made will be covered by your policy and not subject to scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.
Price gouging.
Another trick of the trade used by unscrupulous roof repair contractors is price gouging. This is when they charge outrageous prices for their services and materials, leaving homeowners with a huge bill that they weren’t expecting. Make sure to shop around and compare rates before agreeing to any service or repairs so you don’t find yourself in this situation.
Do your research.
If you need emergency roof repairs, it is always better to hire a local roofing contractor who you can trust. Do research ahead of time and look for reviews and customer testimonials. Get multiple quotes from different contractors, and ask for references. This will help ensure that the job will get done correctly and professionally.
Be aware of potential scams.
While there are many reputable roofing contractors out there, it’s important to be aware of potential scams. Be wary of any contractor who demands payment upfront or asks for a large deposit before starting work. Also, never sign a contract without reading it carefully and understanding your agreement.
By taking the above precautionary measures, you can help protect yourself from emergency roof repair insurance scams and ensure that your property is repaired safely and professionally in the event of a storm or natural disaster. As always, make sure to do your research ahead of time and look for reliable and trustworthy contractors who have the necessary credentials and experience to get the job done right.
