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Allstate Good Hands Recovery Guide
Choose your contractor wisely
Be wary of repair services or contractors that approach you and offer services after a disaster. While most home-repair contractors are honest and provide quality work, it is important to be on the lookout for workers and companies engaging in contractor fraud.
Here are some ways to avoid getting scammed by contractor fraud in the aftermath of a disaster:
•Be wary of contractors who solicit door-to-door. Work only with established contractors and those who have a solid reputation.
•Work only with licensed, bonded and insured contractors and have them provide you with documentation.
•Require references and check them out.
•Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering. Victims of contractor fraud often file complaints.
•Don't feel pressured into signing a contract, and never sign a contract with blanks. A contract should include the contractor's name, business name, phone number and address.
•Avoid payment-in-full up front. Some contractors may require a partial up-front payment, but the amount should not exceed approximately 20% of the total estimate amount.
•Never let work begin on your home or business until the contract is finalized.
•Don't pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the job is completed and you are satisfied with the work — avoid making cash payments.
•If anyone performs unauthorized work on your property and demands payment, consider contacting authorities.
•Never let anyone persuade you to seek reimbursement for nonexistent or exaggerated losses or damages. This is insurance fraud, which is a felony.
And, when it comes to making final repairs on your property, consider these additional tips for hiring a reputable contractor to help avoid lost money or poor-quality home repairs.
•Know FEMA's protocol. If you've submitted a claim through The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), be aware that they do not certify or endorse any private-sector contractor. If FEMA sends a contracted inspector to your home, ask to see official photo identification. Know that FEMA does not charge a fee for housing inspections.
•Get contact information. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says that reputable businesses have a physical address and phone number. If possible, verify the contractor's contact information. Watch out for contractors that list only a post office box.
•Ask about certifications, licenses and insurance. Ask the contractors you're considering for copies of their professional licenses and insurance. The NAHB recommends verifying the license by checking your area's licensing board(s). The association also suggests checking to see if the contractor has a listing with the Better Business Bureau and making sure there are no consumer complaints.
•Get written estimates from several contractors. The Better Business Bureau recommends getting three to four quotes before deciding which contractor to use. Do not sign an estimate, the NAHB says. Watch out for contractors who vastly underbid competitors — this may be an indication of poor-quality work, according to the NAHB. Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute (III) cautions against hiring contractors who push for expensive temporary repairs.
•Review the contract. Before signing a contract for repairs, read it from start to finish. Is all the information filled in? Does it have a start date and an end date? The III says you should never sign a contract with areas that are left blank. Other key things to look for, according to the FTC: the payment schedule; the contractor's obligation to obtain all necessary permits; a detailed list of materials to be used; and an explanation of services the contractor will or won't perform, such as post-construction cleanup.
•Consider payment options. Don't pay cash for home repairs, and don't pay for more than a percentage of the cost up front, says the FTC. Don't complete payment or sign a completion certificate until the work is fully finished, the III says.
•Keep records. Once you choose a contractor, make sure to have copies of the contract and all payment receipts, and keep records of your correspondence with the contractor, says the FTC.
Finding a reputable contractor brings you one step closer to fixing your home and restoring your life.
https://youtu.be/rQqwG_rQx7A
Have questions about your auto, home, boat, or life insurance? Give our agency a call at 225-775-7000. We will be happy to review your current coverage and give you a free no obligation quote!!
Congratulations to Cynthia Whitfield-Story for being named one of Nashville Business Journal’s 2020 Women of Influence
Southern Region Agency Owners, Financial Specialists and Employees,
Our own Southern Region Field Senior Vice President Cynthia Whitfield-Story has been honored as one of Nashville Business Journal’s 2020 Women of Influence celebrating Nashville women making history as a community supporter! You can see what Cynthia shared as her thoughts on leading in 2020 and learn more about her impact with Allstate and in the community by reading her online feature.
If you’d like to share this with your network, you can consider using the sample posts below:
•Proud to shine a spotlight on how we make a difference together in our communities at Allstate Insurance Company. Nashville Business Journal’s 2020 Women of Influence.
•Congratulations to Allstate’s Cynthia Whitfield-Story for being named one of Nashville Business Journal’s 2020 Women of Influence!
•Bold, authentic and inspirational. Read more on leading in 2020 from one of Nashville Business Journal’s 2020 Women of Influence at Allstate.
Thanks for everything you do to represent Allstate for our customers and communities.
Agency owners and financial specialists,
Earlier today, Tom Wilson announced Allstate will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19 as an annual company holiday. Additionally, this day has been added to the 2020 agency holiday schedule and agencies are not required to be open for business.
Juneteenth, an official holiday in 46 states, commemorates the end of 246 years of slavery on American land. In 1619, the first group of enslaved Africans was brought to the British colony of Virginia. By 1860, there were more than 3.9 million enslaved people in the United States. The American Civil War started in 1861 largely due to disagreements over the enslavement of Black people. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, slavery persisted. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger read the federal orders freeing enslaved people in Texas, the most remote of the slave states.
We are making Juneteenth a company holiday because it is important to celebrate this monumental event and we hope you and your teams join us. Please see the FAQs
for information on call center operations and wait times.
Let's celebrate the good in America and have the courage to address that which holds us back. Together we will make a difference.
Terrance Williams
Executive Vice President and General Manager
Allstate Agency Distribution
Hello, Facebook friends! My agency is seeking a Licensed Sales Professional to join our team. If you’re licensed in insurance or interested in becoming licensed and eager for an opportunity with growth potential, please send your resume to AldreamiaOmar@allstate.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
