NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate Insurance
(NYSE: ALL) reminds homeowners affected by Hurricane Irene to be on
the lookout for potentially fraudulent contractors as they begin
the repair and rebuilding process.
A good, trustworthy contractor can be a key partner in the
rebuilding process. However, fraudulent contractors may take
advantage of people who have recently experienced a catastrophic
event.
Nine Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed:
- Take your time in choosing a contractor to repair your
home.
- Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.
- Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau
or Home Builders Association.
- Inspect contractors' licenses and proof of liability
insurance.
- Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable contractors will
require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments
shouldn't exceed the cost of materials or 20 percent of the total
estimate.
- Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.
- If anyone performs unauthorized work on your house or property
and demands payment, consider contacting local authorities.
- Don't sign over an insurance settlement check to the
contractor.
- Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local
police, sheriff's department or your state's Department of
Insurance.
Allstate policyholders who have damage as a result of Hurricane
Irene can file a claim by contacting their agent, calling
1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676), visiting a Mobile Claims
Center or logging onto Allstate.com.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest
publicly held personal lines insurer known for its "You're In Good
Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary
as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to
help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and
better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance
products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through
Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive
financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and
1-800 Allstate®.
SOURCE Allstate