What to do before selecting a contractor for storm repairs

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Frustrations are mounting over how long it can take to recover after a massive storm like the May 16 tornado, and state officials are warning that you don’t want to become a victim again when scammers and fraudsters swoop in.

After a disaster like the one the region experienced last month, officials said homeowners can quickly grow frustrated with how hard it can be to find contractors able to make necessary repairs. But they warn it’s not a time to skip doing your homework.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance said it has been receiving questions about the timeline for when insurance companies may respond to and process claims for damaged property.

The department’s director said there is no specific timeline, but it may take up to two years before people are fully recovered.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance recommends that, before selecting contractors, you should:

• Check to see if the contractor has a local business license
• Ask for references
• Consult your insurance company to see if it has experience working with that contractor in the past

The director said, if possible, talk to multiple contractors.

“It’s going to be one of those tough things in this environment where everybody’s going to be scrambling to find, you know, contractors to come in and do things. But it really is in your best interest to shop around and make sure, again, if you got all good recommendations from three different contractors, have them quote it to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible,” said Angela Nelson, director of Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Nelson also advises: Don’t ever give your contractor more than 50% of the insurance money you’ve received.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance says it will help if you’re having issues with contractors or insurance companies.

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