Disaster Recovery:
Repairs & Insurance: Avoiding Scams

• Back to Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

Unfortunately, people are often victims of scams during and after storms. Don't be one of them!

Repair Information

From Mary Harrison, University of Florida Professor of Consumer Education:

Florida law requires those conducting home repairs to be licensed in the state of Florida. Some repair workers have come into the state from other locations to help clean up after the two previous hurricanes. Homeowners are cautioned to employ only those that are licensed to work in Florida and have insurance.

Since some of these workers are licensed in other states and carry insurance, they feel they are qualified to work in Florida on a temporary basis. Law enforcement officials say these workers should contact local officials who will determine if their insurance and certification are valid in Florida. If so, they should be given some type of documentation to show potential customers.

It's not widely known, but Florida does have a Handyman exemption to its home repair certification regulation.  This exemption applies to workers making simple "handyman"-type repairs that cost less than $1,000. Homeowners should remember, however, that they do run risks by employing unlicensed repair workers.  Uninsured, unlicensed workers can sue if they are injured while working at the home and there is no documentation of their business practices or skills.  Many are reliable; others are not.

Homeowners need to check their homeowners' insurance policies to be sure of the coverage. Insurance companies should be contacted as quickly as possible after damage is discovered. Insurance adjusters need to assess the damage before repairs have been made. Take pictures if possible. Be realistic in your expectations.

The Web site Floridaroof.com contains information on roofs and shingles that may be of help to you in handling hurricane-related questions.  Kathleen Ruppert of Florida Energy Extension Service assembled this information.

Top

Don't Get Taken!

When the storm has passed, it is time to clean up and repair. This is a difficult period when over-stressed homeowners often fall victim to unscrupulous workers.

Before you have any work done on your home or property, find out about the people you are dealing with.

• Are they licensed? Anyone doing home repairs in Florida must be licensed by the state. Call the Jefferson County Building Inspector’s office, 342-0223, to find out if they’re licensed locally.
• Ask for proof of liability insurance. Without it, you could be sued by workers if there is an accident.
• Before any work begins, have a written and signed contract.  Make sure all details of the job are clearly spelled out.
• Your contract should state a beginning AND a completion date for the job.
• Make sure you have proof of the mailing address and physical location of the contractor or repairman doing the work. Get their phone number, too.
• If someone comes to your home asking for work, you have three working days to cancel any agreement you make without a penalty.
• If you call to cancel a job, it is smart to follow-up with a certified letter sent "return receipt requested."
• Never pay for work before it’s done, and never give workers money to buy supplies unless you know them well.
• If supplies must be purchased ahead of time, you buy them and bring them home yourself.
• Never sign a completion statement until all work has been satisfactorily finished.
• If you're paying on credit, know all of the loan details and, if a lien is being placed against your home, be sure that all contract blanks are filled in before signing.  (adapted from DH1904 & DH1905)

Top