Thousands of people suffered property damage from the recent
hurricanes, and the season isn't over yet. If you've been affected, after you've
ensured your family and friends are safe, it's understandable you want to make your
life whole again as quickly as possible.
Just as every disaster brings stories of strangers unselfishly
helping each other, disaster also brings out opportunists who take advantage of
victims when they're most vulnerable. Here are some tips to consider as you
recover from the storms:
Beware of
contractors who go door-to-door soliciting your business, promising
to do the needed repairs right away at too-good-to-be-true prices. Hiring
someone on the spot can be tempting, especially when every legitimate
contractor in town is inundated with calls.
Contact
your insurance adjustor first to verify the scope of the damage and
to determine what your policy will cover. One year, after a big hailstorm, a
roofing company went door-to-door in our neighborhood offering to replace
everyone's roof; some homeowners did not even have roof damage.
Research
and referrals. Even though you may be anxious to get repairs underway, try to
be patient. Shop around. Get estimates and references. Check out the company
with the Better Business Bureau. Research online how long they've been in
business, and how many complaints they've had.
Get
everything in writing. Have the contractor spell out the work to be done, materials used, cost, timeline. While you might have to pay
something up front to cover materials, resist making full payment until the job
is complete and you're satisfied with the work.
Permits
and inspections. If you live in an area where permits and
inspections are required for the type of project you're doing, make sure those
permits are obtained before work begins and inspection takes place before final
payment is made. Ask to see the permit. The company that replaced our furnace
charged $125 for a permit to install it. When my husband asked to see the
permit, not only did they not have one, they didn't even know the process for
obtaining one! Yet for years, they had been padding every customer's bill with
a charge for a permit.
Beware when
buying a used car. Massive flooding during hurricanes Harvey,
Irma, and Maria damaged hundreds of vehicles beyond repair. After the claims are
settled, many will be sent to auto parts recyclers for dismantling, but others
will be assigned salvage titles and shipped to dealer lots. While a reputable
dealer will disclose a car's provenance, some unscrupulous sellers willingly pass
flood-damaged vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.
Watch for telltale signs that the vehicle might have been
underwater: a musty odor, covered up by strong air freshener; shorts in the
instrument panel lights or other electronics; fog or moisture beads in the
lights; mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seat. Examine the
title and ask for a complete CARFAX history. And, as with any used-car
purchase, have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you agree to buy
it.
What tips do you have to avoid getting ripped off after disaster
strikes? I'd love to hear your comments.
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