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Protect Yourself From Storm Damage Fraud
This week, heavy thunderstorms ripped through central Indiana, bringing gusting winds, hail, and driving rain to the region. While significant structural damage was not reported during this storm, asphalt shingle blow offs, roof damage from tree limbs, and other related issues were reported. When severe weather events do occur, and they will, given the unpredictable nature of Indiana’s weather, it is important to have a trusted, local roofing contractor on call, to protect yourself from storm damage fraud.
BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT CONTRACTORS!
When a major storm event occurs, particularly with large hail, “storm chaser” contractors from out of state will quickly converge on a local area. Using sophisticated weather software, they can pinpoint the hardest hit areas and concentrate their focus on those homeowners. Typically going door to door, these aggressive companies look and sound professional, while promising to “handle your insurance claim”. In reality, they usually attempt to get you to sign a contract, giving them the rights to install your roof if your claim is approved. These storm chasers are not roofing contractors, they are sophisticated sales and marketing organizations. Once they have you under contract, they often use unqualified crews and cheap roofing materials to maximize their profits. If you encounter problems with your replaced roof, the probability of finding and getting remedy from these storm chasers is low, at best.
These are some “red flags” that you should be aware of in dealing with a roofing contractor on a storm damage claim:
- A salesperson contacts you by going “door to door” to offer you a free roof inspection
- The contractor does not have a legitimate physical address in your area
- They ask you to sign a binding contract and/or request an upfront payment. These are often fraudulent operators who take the money and run.
- They offer to “pay your deductible”. It is considered insurance fraud to let a contractor pay your deductible and you will be responsible if caught.
- They use high pressure tactics and demand and answer immediately or play discount games with the pricing.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM STORM DAMAGE FRAUD
If you have experienced storm damage to your home or business, you can protect yourself from storm damage fraud by selecting a quality, professional local contractor. Here are a few things you should consider or ensure your contractor of choice can provide:
- Proof of insurance, a physical address, and an appropriate roofing license, if required by your state
- Check their Better Business Bureau rating, look at online reviews, and examine their website to look for “red flags”
- Look for an established roofing contractor that will stand behind their work in the future
- Beware of contractors that do “roofing, windows, siding, gutters, painting, cleaning, etc”. You want dedicated professionals to install your roof!
YOUR LOCAL ROOFING EXPERTS
For residents of Johnson, Shelby, and Marion Counties, Cornett Roofing is ready and prepared to respond quickly to a severe weather event. Serving Indianapolis, Greenwood, Shelbyville, and Franklin, along with their surrounding areas since 1991, Cornett can:
- Repair asphalt shingle, metal, slate, tile, copper, and flat roofing systems, both on residential and commercial properties
- Provide emergency service to install tarps over damaged roofing, until insurance claims can be processed, stopping immediate leaks
- Work as your advocate in dealing with your insurance company, by helping navigate the claims process to ensure your hail or damage claim accurately covers your loss
- Replace roofs that have been damaged beyond repair, with high quality materials and solid craftsmanship
If you need IMMEDIATE storm damage response for your roof, Cornett Roofing is your proven, local experts. Call our office at 317-738-0005 or email hanna@cornettroofing.com to schedule a service call. Our technicians follow all local and state health guidelines and can offer both in-person and video conference consultations and estimates. You can learn more about Cornett Roofing’s facility, services, staff, and reputation by clicking here.
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