Insurance Fraud Starts with Unexpected Offer of Repair Services

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“When considering home repairs, NICB recommends that consumers consider these tips before hiring a contractor:

•Contact their insurance provider first”

Really? I suppose if you assume you are even going to file an insurance claim to begin with. If not, don’t call your insurance company.

I think there are plenty of good contractors out there, even and maybe especially insurance company approved contractors, that are observant in their community and actively alert homeowners to damages they believe can be covered. The writer is 100% correct that you should contact your insurance company and open a claim before having repairs done if you intend on filing a claim. If you don’t, you are prejudicing the carriers rights to properly investigate the claim for coverage. You have a requirement under the policy to “exhibit the damaged property”. If the repairs are made you will more than likely have your claim denied.

I think what the article misses is the fact that these scam contractors basically make a mountain out of a mole hill. One roof shingle is lifted and they replace the entire roof and give you a bill. Or one piece of siding is damaged from hail and they tear off all the siding.

I don’t think it is anymore wrong for a roofer to offer repairs to your roof then it is for an insurance agent to offer to review your current policy to see if they can give you a better deal. You can be scammed either way. So, if it makes sense and the damage is large enough to file a claim, file a claim and meet with your adjuster first. Once settlement is made then follow your normal diligence in hiring a contractor. Any legitimate contractor will gladly wait for your settlement to come through before beginning repairs.