Ohioans Impacted by Storms Urged to Protect Against Contractor Fraud

Following a strong line of severe weather that sparked tornados and damaging winds across the Midwest on Sunday, Ohio Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor is offering tips to help navigate the insurance claim filing process. Taylor is also warning Ohioans to beware of fraudulent contractors trying to take advantage of people in need of property repairs.

“Yesterday’s storms devastated communities across much of the Midwest,” Taylor said. “The damage and aftermath means many Ohioans must now file insurance claims in order to begin rebuilding and repairing damaged property. Start by contacting your agent or insurance company or contact the Department if you are experiencing problems during the claims process.”

Taylor said that protection for vehicles against damage caused by windstorm, hail and tornado is provided through an auto policy’s “other than collision” or “comprehensive” coverage. Storm recovery related information is available on the Department’s website, www.insurance.ohio.gov.

Taylor said that if you suffered storm damage, you should:

• Call your insurance agent or company as soon as you can. Be sure your agent knows how to contact you, especially if you have to move out of your home.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage if permitted by public safety authorities and if you will not endanger yourself.
• Closely inspect property and cars for damage. Note and photograph any damage.
• If required to seek temporary housing, check your policy for “loss of use” coverage.
• Be sure everything is considered in your claim. Back up claims with written estimates.

Taylor offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of contractor fraud:

• Obtain a list of reputable contractors from your insurance carrier, the Better Business Bureau or a specialized consumer organization.
• Contact multiple contractors and obtain more than one estimate.
• Do not allow a contractor to inspect your property when you are not home.
• If you give a contractor permission to inspect your property, personally watch them conduct the inspection.
• Obtain, in writing, the terms and conditions of the project.
• Avoid signing a contract until the document is reviewed fully and/or discuss the terms of the contract with a legal representative or a trusted adviser.
• Pay the contractor by check or credit card, rather than in cash, and do not pay in full until all work has been finished.

Ohioans with insurance questions can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Those who have been victimized by contractor fraud should contact the Department’s fraud hotline at 1-800-686-1527.

Visit www.insurance.ohio.gov for insurance information. You can follow the Department on twitter @OHInsurance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OhioDepartmentofInsurance.