GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As people across the state work to clean up debris from intense wind storms this week, the Better Business Bureau is reminding property owners to use trusted contractors – and avoid storm chasers.
“Storms in Wisconsin were very well publicized throughout the country,” said Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau. “Those are people who comes from outside of the area to try and get as many contracting jobs as possible. They hit those neighborhoods fast and move out of the area as soon as possible.”
Bach says their concerns lie with the credentials and reliability of outside contractors. Oftentimes, they aren’t properly licensed or have the proper permits or insurance to conduct business in the area.
“That typically is the MO of a stormchaser, is that they go around the neighborhood knocking on doors, going home to home,” Bach said. “They may offer you some kind of deal if you agree on the spot, but those high pressure sales tactics are what we’re warning people against…You really need to take the time, and maybe it’s only five or ten minutes, to research that contractor and ask the right questions so that you can save yourself any heartache.”
Ask for a contract and make sure the contract carefully explains the start date, the completion date, any warranty information. Obtaining accurate contact information is also important.
“The worst case scenario is that you give them money up front and they leave and you never hear from them again – and the work is never completed,” Bach said.
Wisconsin’s storm chaser law aims to protect consumers and businesses, and prevent insurance fraud through the following:
- Contractors cannot promise to pay all or some of a property insurance deductible.
- Contractors cannot negotiate with a homeowner’s insurer on behalf of the customer. They can only discuss damages and costs with the insurer with the customer’s permission.
- Before entering into a contract with a customer, the contractor must inquire if the work requested is related to an insurance claim.
- Customers have a right to cancel the contract within three business days of being notified that their insurer has denied all or any part of the claim for work. Contractors must notify customers of this right.
If you’re unsure about a business or contractor, check them out at BBB.org.
