Victims of recent storm damage should beware of unscrupulous individuals who follow in the wake of any disaster, the Better Business Bureau warned today. Last week hundreds of area consumers received severe roof, siding, gutter, tree and automobile damage. Most of the damage occurred in north St. Louis County and the Metro-East area. These victims are urged to seek proper identification from people claiming to be contractors, government representatives, inspectors or insurance adjusters.
Work done by such individuals is often shoddy and expensive.
They often stay in the area as long as a year after the storm and can cause more damage than repair. If you are a victim and have homeowner's insurance, be sure to check the extent of your coverage, and if storm damage is covered by your policy. Also ask your insurance company how it will decide whom they will pay to do the repair job. At times insurance companies will ask for the lowest estimate before they process a claim. However, do not accept a bid until you determine the firm's reputation.