Some surprises are great. Others, well, can be a real disaster. At Allstate Restoration we’ve heard some terrible stories from homeowners and business customers who rushed to hire a restoration company in their panic following property damage from storms, fires, smoke and floods.
In emergency situations, it’s normal for property owners to be traumatized, confused and very anxious to hire a restoration company right away to get the clean-up started immediately. So, it’s no surprise that after a fire, flood, or other severe damage strikes a home or business, companies you may never have heard of show up immediately to take advantage of the crisis.
This is the best time to stay calm, be careful and sign nothing! Many unqualified, unscrupulous companies, with no expertise in mitigation or remediation, prey on shocked property owners, urging immediate action. Beware: companies that rush you into contracts are the last ones you should hire. Stop and check with your insurance agent or adjuster before signing anything.
Insurers know that unscrupulous companies seek to line their pockets as they pick yours. To protect against fraud, insurers maintain lists of qualified mitigation and remediation companies. They have carefully vetted these companies’ experience, technology, expertise and communications skills.
Mitigation and restoration contracts can be difficult to read through and understand; reputable companies will explain carefully and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable. Again, don’t sign anything that you don’t understand. Seek further advice from your insurer at any point in the process so you aren’t presented with another mess – this time a financial one – to clean up.
