Be Aware of Contractor Fraud Following the Oklahoma Wildfires
Important Wildfire Rebuilding Information
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Insurance fraud costs Americans billions of dollars annually. While most home-repair contractors are honest and do quality work, others do not. Allstate Insurance reminds homeowners affected by the Oklahoma wildfires to be on the look out for potentially fraudulent contractors to avoid getting scammed:
- Be wary of contractors who solicit door-to-door. Work only with established contractors and those who have a solid reputation.
- Work only with licensed, bonded and insured contractors and have them provide you with documentation.
- Require references and check them out.
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering.
- Don't feel pressured into signing a contract, and never sign a contract with blanks. A contract should include the contractor's name, business name, phone number and address.
- Avoid payment-in-full up front. Some contractors may require a partial up front payment, but the amount should not exceed approximately 20% of the total estimate amount.
- Never let work begin on your home or business until the contract is finalized.
- Don't pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the job is completed and you are satisfied with the work — avoid making cash payments.
- If anyone performs unauthorized work on your property and demands payment, consider contacting authorities.
- Never let anyone persuade you to seek reimbursement for nonexistent or exaggerated losses or damages. This is insurance fraud, which is a felony.
Allstate policyholders who have damage as a result of the Oklahoma wildfires can file a claim by contacting their agent, calling 1-800-54-STORM, visiting the Allstate Catastrophe Response Vehicle at 35903 West Highway 51 in Mannford, OK 74044 (until August 10), or logging onto Allstate.com.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan “You're In Good Hands With Allstate®,” Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.
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Contact:
Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW