Massachusetts Family Insurance

URGENT: Hail Roof Damage Fraud

Due to the brief hail storm that recently struck the MetroWest area. It has come to our attention that people purporting to be roofers are going door to door or cold calling clients regarding possible damage to their roof. These door to door or telemarketers are usually fraudulent scam artists.

They use entry lines such as “We were at your next door neighbor’s home.” Or “We see possible hail damage to your roof.”

Please do not let these people into your home.

Please do not let them walk on your roof.

Never give them your insurance company name or policy number.

They could be thieves. They could do damage to your roof. They could file a false claim directly to the insurance company. Worse yet, they could fall off your roof and sue for injury. There are any number of things could happen that will affect your insurance coverage and premium.

If anyone knocks on your door and calls on the phone, please ask to see their state contractor’s license and produce a certificate of insurance naming you as an addition insured. If they cannot produce those items, then you should not do business with them.

Protect your property and your pocketbook from any disreputable persons. 

Plan Ahead of the Storm

Natural disasters can deplete your savings, but with a little bit of preparation, you can make the insurance claim process much easier on yourself. In many cases, all you need is camera.

Simple photos can mean the difference between losing everything. Keep a photo inventory of your home and major purchases, and keep it up to date. The images will act as evidence of any damage, and will be key when making insurance claims.

When it comes to your most important documents, invest in a fireproof box. Store copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance records and medical histories in the box to keep them safe. Never keep your original will at home, though. Leave it with an attorney or trusted family member.

Finally, do some research. Identify the kind of natural disasters that could happen in your area, and use resources like Ready.gov to help create an action plan. Your local government agency should have information on how you would be notified in case of a disaster, so identify the systems to keep your family safe. Keep these planning tips in mind and you'll be able to weather any storm.

Courtesy of Daily Financial