Severe weather, including a tornado and large hail, recently struck eastern Wisconsin. The storms damaged many homes and vehicles across the region.
Now, property owners face urgent repairs. However, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) urges consumers to proceed with caution.
Beware of “Storm Chasers”
Homeowners should avoid hiring door-to-door repair crews. These transient workers, often called “storm chasers,” travel directly to storm-damaged communities.
While they promise quick and cheap fixes, they often deliver poor-quality work. Worse yet, some demand upfront payments and disappear without doing any work. Because these crews usually live out of state, tracking them down to recover lost money is nearly impossible.
Tips for Hiring Safe Home Repair Contractors
To avoid scams and protect your investment, follow these essential guidelines:
Hire Local: Choose established contractors who live and work in your community.
Ask Around: Get recommendations from trusted friends, neighbors, and insurance agents.
Check Permits: Consult a local building inspector to see if your project requires permits. Ask them to inspect completed work before you make final payments.
Get It in Writing: Secure a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, start and end dates, and warranty information.
Request Lien Waivers: Collect a signed lien waiver for every payment you make.
Keep Records: Save copies of all contracts, receipts, messages, warranties, and project notes.
Wisconsin Laws Protect You From Insurance Fraud
State law protects property owners from predatory practices. In Wisconsin, contractors cannot:
Promise to pay any portion of your insurance deductible.
Negotiate directly with your insurance company without your explicit permission.
Additionally, contractors must:
Ask if your project involves an insurance claim before signing a contract.
Inform you of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if your insurer denies any part of the claim.
Smart Auto Body Repair Tips
Vehicles also suffer heavy damage during severe storms. Finding reliable auto repairs can feel stressful, but knowing your rights keeps you protected.
Choose Wisely: Ask friends and family for trusted body shop recommendations. If insurance covers the work, select an approved shop with your provider.
Research First: Read online reviews and contact the DATCP Bureau of Consumer Protection to check a shop’s complaint history.
Document Everything: Log every interaction, including dates, times, costs, employee names, and verbal promises.
Know Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner
Auto body shops cannot perform unauthorized repairs. Furthermore, they cannot raise the price after providing an initial quote without your approval.
While a shop can hold your vehicle for unpaid authorized work, they cannot hold it if you refuse to pay for unauthorized repairs. Once work finishes, the shop must provide an itemized invoice detailing all parts, labor, and final repair costs.
Navigating Insurance Claims After a Storm
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) offers clear guidance to help you navigate coverage. Take these steps immediately after a storm:
Notify Your Insurer: Contact your agent immediately to start the claims process.
Document the Damage: Create a detailed list of all damaged items, including structural harm to your home.
Take Photos: Capture clear photos of dented siding, damaged shingles, and broken windshields.
Save Material Swatches: Keep samples of damaged siding or shingles.
Hold On to Items: Do not throw away damaged property until your claims adjuster approves it.
Save Receipts: Retain every receipt for temporary repairs or replacements.
Helpful Resources & Contact Information
If you have questions about insurance agents, adjusters, or policies, contact the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Wisconsin at oci.wi.gov or call (800) 236-8517.
For more consumer protection resources or to file a complaint against a contractor or business:
Website: ConsumerProtection.wi.gov
Hotline: (800) 422-7128
Email: [email protected]
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