Wind Damage, Hail Damage, Water Damage...

Roofing, siding, window replacement, structural damage repairs...

Due to the recent storm damage that has passed through the area over the recent weeks many local contractors are overwhelmed. We wanted to take a moment to let you know that RestorePro, your preferred insurance repair specialists, still has the capacity to serve your clients in a timely and professional manner. It is often better to wait 30 or 60 days on your local, reputable contractor for a repair as long as temporary repairs can facilitate protecting the property from further peril. RestorePro can be trusted to help you and to help your insured recover from property damage with legitimate, cost effective repairs. Our warranty is backed locally, our reputation is without rival.

Call 1-877-371-0228 during business hours
Call 1-800-446-5068 after business hours

Here's a few things to take into consideration during this type storm damage influx:

With the desperation some of your clients will face during a disaster, please advise them that "storm chaser" contractors are in the area, promoting themselves as inexpensive services which can save money on repairs, especially on roofs. When a contractor offers to "forgive" or "Pay your insured's deductible", this alone should raise suspicions.

"Storm chasers" are contractors from other cities - often other states - who travel into the area to search for repair work. They may use their out-of-area name and address, or they may negotiate with a local contractor to use his company's name.

In many cases, the amount of damage is so severe that local repair services are swamped and need this assistance. Many storm chasing contractors run legitimate companies in other cities and perform quality work and charge competitive prices.

Armed with the knowledge that hiring out-of-area contractors is often inherently bad, there are some cautions and information that you can supply to your clients to educate them in the risks involved with dealing with these contractors.

• Obtain more than one estimate. Don't be bullied into signing a contract, especially one that eliminates your ability to represent your claim. Obtain all information in writing, including cost, work to be completed, repair time and payment schedules, the company Tax ID, proof of insurance, proof they are registered and licensed in your municipality.
• Obtain contractor guarantees IN WRITING-and make sure all details are provided. Does their work carry a warranty? If so, how will they honor it when they come from hundreds of miles away?
• Watch out for "lowballing." Some contractors give you a very low estimate, then after starting the work they demand more money for services already promised. Report such tactics to law enforcement and the BBB.
• Ask for references and take the time to check them. Check with family and friends for referrals, and contact the Better Business Bureau to obtain their report and letter grade on the company.
• Ask for the contractor's driver's license and write the number down along with a description of the vehicle and license plate number.
• INSURANCE, Workers Compensation: Some contractors from out of state may not meet state and local licensing or carry OHIO Workers Compensation Insurance. This is a substantial risk for the homeowner. Get a copy of the contractor'ss certificate for OHIO Workers Compensation Insurance and make sure it is current. Proper insurance coverage normally releases you from liability if workers are injured on your premises.
• *INSURANCE, General Liability: Insist on proof that they have liability insurance in case their workers do more damage, and it is a good idea for the property owner to be listed as an additional insured of the contractors general liability insurance.
• Never sign an incomplete or blank contract or provide personal information such as your Social Security or credit card information. Pay upon completion! Cash payments up front often lead to incomplete jobs and disappearing workers. Paying for materials AFTER they are delivered is OK, but not before.
• Never allow a contractor to serve as your negotiator with your insurance company. Should a consumer allow the roofer or contractor to negotiate on their behalf and damages are either over-inflated or nonexistent, your insurer is not obligated to cover them. Other than your insurer or attorney, in both Ohio and Michigan a public adjuster is the only claims professional that can legally represent your rights as an insured during the claims process. Public adjusters are licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance (1-800-686-1526) or the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (1-877-999-6442), so ask for credentials if you suspect adjuster misrepresentation.
• Be present for all home inspections conducted by repair estimators. Although most estimators conduct legitimate reviews, there have been documented cases where damage was inflicted during repair estimates to either inflate or create property damage.
• Be wary of door-to-door contacts, fliers, advertising blitzes or phone solicitations for repairs. The homeowner should take the lead role in contacting companies to handle repairs and not be guided by potentially false or fraudulent marketing materials or repair claims.
• Watch for padded repair estimates. There is no such thing as a "free insurance deductible." If a repair estimator asks ahead of time for the amount of your insurance deductible or for a copy of your insurance company loss estimate, this should serve as a "red flag."
• Check and double-check the quality of the roofing shingles and materials used as a replacement. There are many grades and qualities. Don't allow substitution of cheaper, inferior materials.
• Dishonest contractors should be reported to the Ohio Attorney General (800-282-0515) or Michigan Attorney General (1-877-765-8388) as well as the BBB (419)531-3116 or 800-743-4222 so they can alert others. Report potential fraudulent insurance claim activity to the Ohio Department of Insurance Fraud and Enforcement division (800.686.1527) or the Michigan office at 517.373.0220.

When disaster strikes, competence matters. Trust and Integrity are core values that guide RestorePro's storm repair services delivery. Refer with confidence. Refer RestorePro.