State Farm Agent Janna Misek Helping Homeowners Chase Away Storm Chasers

“Storm chasers” are an unreliable breed of contractor that try to make fast money by preying on homeowners whose homes have been damaged by severe storms. “In some cases, these ‘storm chasers’ will damage your home themselves, then attempt to get you to pay them to repair it,” said State Farm Agent Janna Misek. “Some of them move from state to state following storms, and will even take your money and leave without doing any work.”

In order to help homeowners not fall victim to these “storm chasers,” Misek shares the following three tips:
No. 1: Beware of unannounced visits by contractors. “Legitimate repairmen and contractors do not go door-to-door attempting to solicit business,” stressed Misek. “A storm chaser will usually offer to start work immediately in exchange for a cash deposit up front. If your home has been damaged by a storm, only hire a contractor who is bonded, insured and licensed, and verify that they are and check their website.”

No. 2: Do not allow anyone to “inspect” a home unsupervised. “This gives storm chasers the opportunity to damage your home themselves, in hopes of being hired to ‘fix’ it,” said Misek.

No. 3: Always wait for the insurance adjuster. “Never agree to any repairs until an insurance adjuster has seen your damage,” concluded Misek. “A storm chaser might ‘find’ damage that doesn’t exist. Also beware of ‘contractors’ who say they can help file insurance claims; if they’re offering to pay your deductible, it’s definitely fishy.”

About Janna Misek, State Farm

Janna Misek offers Auto, Home and Property, Life and Health Insurance, as well as banking products, annuities and mutual funds. For more information, please call (630) 554-1540, or visit http://www.statefarm.com/agent/US/IL/Oswego/Janna-Misek-0FMR32T8000.