Here’s something you can set your watch to after a major storm or fire: Warnings from local officials about the prevalence of predatory contractors.
“Residents must also beware of post-storm fraud and bad actors looking to make a quick buck,” Florida Rep. Jimmy Patronis said in a recent press release after a weather event in the Sunshine State. “Following storms, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING. Your first call should be to your insurance company or to my office. Always ensure you work with a reputable, licensed contractor or restoration professional, and never feel forced to waive your insurance rights or pay by cash only. These are signs of fraud.”
Florida residents are no strangers who dramatic weather events nor the predatory characters who emerge from the rubble. The state maintains several consumer websites about how to navigate the days immediately following the disaster. It also has state-sponsored programs for making weather-resistant property modifications. Here are four ways that Florida state leaders say residents can spot a post-storm fraud:
- A contractor, service provider (i.e., tree removal or debris removal company, etc.), or restoration professional who offered to waive or discount your insurance deductible.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who has received payment and has failed to provide any repairs to your home.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who offered to provide repairs at a cash-only discounted rate and has failed to provide repairs to your home.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who has failed to provide any repairs to your home and has stopped responding to your contact attempts.
The slideshow above illustrates nine tips from My Safe Florida Home Program for selecting the right contractor to complete repairs after a loss event or retrofit a property to be more weather resilient.
In 2023, post-disaster contractor fraud cost Americans an estimated $9.3 billion, representing roughly 10% of the $93 billion in total catastrophe losses, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NIBC).
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