Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
As hurricane season begins, Bucks County Consumer Protection encourages residents to take a few simple steps now to protect themselves from storm damage, insurance claim disputes, and home repair scams. While Pennsylvania is not directly on the coast, hurricanes and tropical storms can bring damaging winds, flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and significant property damage to our area.
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The best time to prepare is before a storm occurs.
One of the most important preparedness steps residents can take is signing up for Ready Bucks emergency alerts. Bucks County Emergency Management uses the Ready Bucks system to notify residents about severe weather, flooding, road closures, evacuations, missing persons, and other emergency situations. Residents can choose to receive alerts by phone, text message, or email. To register, visit www.BucksCounty.gov/ReadyBucks.
Before severe weather arrives, review your homeowners or renters’ insurance policy to understand what is covered and whether additional flood insurance may be appropriate. Many consumers are surprised to learn that standard homeowners and renters’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Homeowners and renters in low-lying areas, near waterways, or properties that have experienced flooding in the past should consider reviewing available flood insurance options before disaster strikes.
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Residents should also create a list of trusted contractors before they are needed. After severe weather events, homeowners are often approached by storm-chasing contractors, roofers, and public adjusters who go door-to-door seeking immediate business. Consumers should never feel pressured to sign a contract on the spot, assign insurance benefits, or make large upfront payments without first conducting appropriate research and vetting. Verify that a contractor is properly registered, request proof of insurance, review online ratings and complaints history, and obtain multiple written estimates whenever possible. Contacting Bucks County Consumer Protection for assistance vetting a contractor before signing an agreement can help consumers make informed decisions and avoid costly scams or construction related disputes. Bucks County Consumer Protection complaint trends show an increase in home improvement contractor-related issues, which remain among the most common consumer complaint category reported to the department.
If your home suffers storm damage, document everything. Take photographs and videos before cleanup begins, keep copies of all estimates, invoices, and communications, and report the claim promptly to your insurance company. Maintaining detailed records can help avoid disputes later in the claims process.
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Consumers should understand that the insurance company adjuster assigned to inspect a claim works for the insurance company, not the homeowner. If you disagree with the findings of an insurance company adjuster, believe damages were overlooked, or receive a claim denial, you may wish to obtain independent contractor estimates and contact the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance for assistance before considering outside representation.
Public adjusters can assist consumers in certain situations, particularly when a claim has been denied or when there is a dispute regarding the amount of loss. However, consumers should carefully review any agreement before signing. Public adjusters are typically compensated through a percentage of the insurance settlement, which will reduce the funds available to complete repairs. Always compare fees, check references, public review sites, and thoroughly review the contract terms before signing.
When hiring a contractor, verify that the contractor is registered with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and request a copy of the company’s certificate of insurance. Consumers can verify a contractor’s registration status through the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration database at https://hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov/. Consumers should also independently verify insurance coverage with the insurance carrier before providing a deposit or signing a contract. Be cautious of anyone who requests large upfront payments, pressures you to sign immediately, or asks you to assign insurance proceeds directly to them without fully understanding the agreement.
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Bucks County Consumer Protection can assist residents with reviewing contractor complaint history and identifying potential red flags before a contract is signed. Residents can also visit www.buckscounty.gov/ConsumerProtection and access the Consumer Tips page to download the office’s “Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor” booklet, which outlines legal contract requirements, contractor registration information, and additional tips to help consumers avoid home improvement fraud.
Consumers seeking assistance with contractor vetting or consumer fraud concerns may contact Bucks County Consumer Protection at 215-348-6060, email consumerprotection@buckscounty.org, or visit www.buckscounty.gov/ConsumerProtection.
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A little preparation before the storm can help protect your family, your property, and your finances while reducing the risk of becoming the victim of fraud when disaster strikes.
To learn how to protect yourself from scams and fraud, please visit our website at www.buckscounty.gov/cp.
Monthly Fraud Alerts brought to you by Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force 24-hour hotline: 1-800-490-8505, Bucks County District Attorney’s Office: 215-348-6344, A Woman’s Place (AWP): 1-800-220-8116, Bucks County Area Agency on Aging: 267-880-5700, Bucks County Office of Consumer Protection: 215-348-6060, Bucks County Coroner’s Office: 215-348-3852, Bucks County Register of Wills: 215-348-6265, Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA): 1-800-675-6900, and U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services/OIG: 1-800-447-8477.
