NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – As homeowners across the Fox Valley begin cleaning up after recent severe storms, Wisconsin officials are urging residents to slow down before hiring contractors or authorizing costly repairs.
Michelle Reinen, Administrator of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, says storm-damaged neighborhoods often attract fraudulent contractors looking to take advantage of people during a stressful time.
“We want consumers to practice caution when they’re seeking out contractors for the repairs that they will have to their homes and property,” Reinen said.
She warns homeowners to avoid hiring contractors who go door-to-door immediately after a storm.
“Those individuals with damaged homes should avoid hiring a door-to-door home repair crew on the spot. These transient crews are often known as ‘storm chasers’ because they travel to communities that have been struck by severe weather and then solicit business at those consumers’ homes,” Reinen said.
While promises of quick and inexpensive repairs may sound appealing, Reinen says many of those contractors leave homeowners with unfinished work, or no work at all.
“These transient repair crews often provide poor-quality work, ask for upfront payments, and then often provide no work at all,” she said.
Instead, Reinen recommends hiring established local contractors whenever possible and seeking recommendations from trusted sources.
“Talk to your friends, family, neighbors, and insurance agent to find out who may be good, trusted sources that you can turn to,” she said. “Hiring the right contractor for the work you’re going to need is important.”
She also encourages homeowners to verify a contractor’s credentials, obtain written estimates, research complaint histories, and check with local municipalities or the Bureau of Consumer Protection before signing a contract.
Know Your Rights When Filing Insurance Claims
Reinen says Wisconsin law also provides protections for homeowners dealing with insurance claims.
She notes contractors cannot promise to pay a homeowner’s insurance deductible or negotiate directly with an insurance company on the customer’s behalf without permission.
Contractors are also required to ask whether the work involves an insurance claim and must notify customers of their right to cancel a contract within three business days if an insurer denies any portion of the claim.
Vehicle Owners Should Research Repair Shops
Storms also damaged many vehicles throughout the region, leaving drivers searching for trustworthy repair shops.
Reinen recommends asking friends and family for recommendations, reading online reviews, checking for complaints, and documenting every interaction with the repair shop.
“At the end of the day, remember that a shop can’t make repairs that the owner did not authorize, and they can’t increase the price of those repairs without authorization,” Reinen said.
She added that repair shops may only hold a vehicle until payment is made for work the customer actually approved.
Start the Insurance Process Immediately
For anyone dealing with storm damage, Reinen recommends contacting an insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
She advises homeowners to:
- Make a detailed list of damaged property.
- Take photographs of all damage, including siding, roofs and vehicles.
- Save damaged materials such as shingles or siding until an insurance adjuster authorizes their disposal.
- Keep receipts for all repairs and replacement expenses until the claim is completely resolved.
Reinen also pointed residents to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance’s “After a Storm Hits” fact sheet for additional guidance.
Beware of Relief Scams
Finally, Reinen cautions residents to remain alert for scammers posing as charitable organizations or government representatives offering disaster assistance.
“Don’t let someone coming door to door asking for your personal information catch you off guard,” Reinen said. “Certainly turn those individuals away.”
State officials say taking a little extra time to research contractors, document damage, and understand consumer rights can help homeowners avoid becoming victims of fraud while recovering from storm damage.
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