Last week, NICB has recognized almost half 1,000,000 claims (471,581) associated to Hurricane Ian with a majority of the claims (431,702) reported in Florida. Nearly two-thirds of the Florida claims are home-owner and business claims (272,465), and the remaining are private automobile claims (151,892).
As insurance claims proceed to extend following Hurricane Ian, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance trade’s affiliation devoted to predicting, stopping, and prosecuting insurance crime, is warning victims to watch out for post-disaster scams as they start the rebuilding course of.
Despite substantial harm to properties, companies, and automobiles following Hurricane Ian, NICB encourages residents to take their time and never attempt to speed up the rebuilding course of in an effort to keep away from being scammed.
“We know residents want to get back on their feet, but we are already seeing dishonest fraudsters who are preying on unsuspecting victims like vultures,” mentioned NICB President and CEO David Glawe. “This is not the time to let your guard down. Stay vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones from these criminals.”
Before hiring a contractor, name your insurance firm. There isn’t any have to rush into an settlement with a contractor who solicits your restore work, particularly if it was not requested.
NICB SUGGESTS YOU CONSIDER THESE TIPS BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR:
- Get multiple estimate.
- Get the whole lot in writing. Cost, work to be executed, time schedules, ensures, cost schedules, and different expectations ought to be detailed and itemized.
- Request references and do the analysis.
- Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license and write down the license quantity and their car’s license plate quantity.
- Look out for out-of-state contractor licenses, in addition to car registrations, as these may point out attainable fraudulent contractors.
- Never signal a contract with blanks; phrases you don’t agree with might be added later.
- Never pay a contractor in full or signal a completion certificates till the work is completed.
- Ensure reconstruction is as much as present code.
- Make certain you evaluation and perceive all paperwork despatched to your insurance provider. Signing an Assignment of Benefits settlement transfers your insurance rights to the contractor. Know what which means for you.
- Never let a contractor stress you into making a fast resolution or hiring them.
- Never let a contractor interpret the language of your insurance coverage.
- Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance firm. Contact your insurance firm first.
- Remember, in case you didn’t request it, reject it!
Furthermore, some deceitful contractors will state they’re supported by the federal government. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t endorse particular person contractors or mortgage companies. Always request official identification from these claiming to signify governmental companies. Consumers ought to name FEMA for extra specifics at (800) 621-FEMA.
If you imagine you might have been a sufferer of fraud, name the NICB at 1-800-TEL-NICB or report it right here.
REPORT FRAUD: Anyone with data regarding insurance fraud or car theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a type on-line.
