Wolf Administration Introduces New Brochure to Help Pennsylvania Homeowners File Storm Damage Claims, Avoid Repair Scams

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of Governor Wolf's ongoing consumer protection initiative, Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller today announced the availability of a new brochure providing homeowners tips on filing claims after storm damage to their home, and on avoiding home repair scams.

"Spring is the time of year when Pennsylvania often experiences severe storms, including high winds, heavy rain, and hail, all of which can cause significant damage to homes," Governor Wolf said.  "It's important to me that homeowners know what information they need not only to file a claim, but especially how to avoid home repair scams."

The Insurance Department has produced a new consumer brochure, "After the Storm," which includes key tips on what information you need to file a homeowner's insurance claim, as well as what questions to ask and what to look for to spot a possible home repair scam.

The brochure includes tips such as:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm;
  
  
• Save all your receipts;
  
  
• Take photographs or video before cleaning up or making repairs;
  
  
• After documenting damage, make repairs needed to prevent further damage or to live in the home, but don't make permanent repairs before your insurance company inspects the damage and approves the repairs;
  
  
• If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with an insurance company representative who will assess your property damage.  If you and your insurer disagree on the offer made to repair your property, be prepared to negotiate.

"Experiencing significant home or property damage from a storm is scary and unsettling, but homeowners should try to remain calm and be as diligent as possible in documenting damage when they make a report to their insurer," Commissioner Miller said.

Storms that cause damage to numerous homes throughout a community can be a magnet for dishonest contractors.  The "After the Storm" brochure also offers several tips for consumers on avoiding home repair scams, including:

• Ask for identification from anyone presenting himself as a public adjuster.  Public adjusters are professional claims handlers, licensed and regulated by the Insurance Department, who can assist policyholders with the claims process.  You can verify someone is licensed as a public adjuster by visiting www.insurance.pa.gov, clicking on "Consumers" on the top bar, and selecting "Find Insurance Professional."  If you suspect anyone or any entity is operating as a public adjuster without a license, report it to the Insurance Department's Anti-Fraud Compliance Division at 717-705-4199.
  
  
• Home improvement contractors that do more than $5,000 of business per year in Pennsylvania must register with the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.  Ask the contractor for his Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) number and verify registration by calling the Attorney General's Home Improvement Registration toll-free line at 1-888-520-6680.
  
  
• Ask for and check references before hiring a contractor.  Get everything in writing, including the total cost for repairs, the work to be completed, the timetable for completion, and guarantees the contractor offers.
  
  
• Don't sign paperwork with sections left blank that someone can fill in after you sign, and don't pay a contractor in full or sign that the work is complete until the work is actually done.

Commissioner Miller also advised consumers to be wary of contractors with work vans or trucks that have out-of-state license plates or lack signs or insignias identifying the company name.  She also reminded homeowners that flood damage is not covered by most homeowners' insurance policies, and a separate flood insurance policy is required to pay for damage caused by flooding.

"Repairing your home or property after storm damage is an unsettling experience, but following these tips can help get your insurance claim approved and lessen your chances of getting scammed," Commissioner Miller said.

Consumers with questions or wishing to file a complaint can contact the Insurance Department's Consumer Services Bureau at www.insurance.pa.gov, or by calling 1-877-881-6388.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Ruman- 717-787-3289

SOURCE Pennsylvania Insurance Department

Related Links

http://www.insurance.pa.gov