By Karla Sullivan
If your home or property is destroyed by a natural disaster, unfortunately, those called to replace damaged property are not always honest and take advantage of those in trouble. This is the time to talk to your insurance agent and see if your can get some ideas for service providers that can help.
Tips to avoid dishonest providers:
· Check for recommendations and comments online before you hire. Sometimes places such as Angie’s list can help.
· Check out their reputation from the Better Business Bureau
· Get more than one written estimate and don’t sign anything
· Be careful of putting down deposits
· Most contractors will offer a pay as you go option and deposits to start the job is small between 10 and 20 %. Many contractors will negotiate so don’t be afraid to state your case.
· Meet with the service provider
· Get out their insurance information, permits and licenses needed
· Don’t take out a permit for the contractor either
· You may also contact your state insurance department relating to questions and concerns
· Make sure you keep all receipts if work done.
Make sure you understand your insurance policy limits. For example, if you have replacement cost coverage, your insurance will pay for the damage with like conditions. In other words, if your entire home has been destroyed and it originally had two bedrooms, the insurance company is not going to build you a three bedroom house instead.
If your home was not in compliance with up to date building codes, your insurance may not pay for the additional cost so talk to them specifically about your coverage concerns
If you have to live elsewhere during the remodel, your insurance will pay for those expenses which equals to about 20 percent of the insurance you have on your home. But it may vary so it is important to understand this variable.
