After a hurricane, scammers often move faster than insurance adjusters.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, many homeowners reported contractors knocking on their doors, offering immediate repairs. While it may feel urgent to fix the damage, signing anything too quickly can seriously jeopardize your insurance claim.

Our advice is simple:
Do not sign anything. Do not agree to anything. End the conversation.

Here are four critical reasons why.

1. Many Door-to-Door Contractors Are Unlicensed or Uninsured

After major storms, dishonest contractors often travel from out of state to target distressed homeowners.

These contractors may:

• Lack proper licensing or insurance

• Disappear once paid

• Perform substandard or incomplete work

If something goes wrong later, you may have no legal or financial recourse.

Always verify licensing and insurance before allowing anyone to work on your property.

2. Your Insurance Company Has the Right to Inspect the Damage First

Most insurance policies require that your insurer be given the opportunity to inspect certain types of damage before permanent repairs begin.

You are allowed — and required — to make emergency repairs to prevent further damage (such as tarping a roof or boarding windows).
However, non-emergency repairs (drywall, cabinets, plumbing, flooring) often must wait.

Starting repairs too soon can allow your insurer to argue that:

• Damage was not properly documented

• Coverage was forfeited

• The claim should be denied

3. Some Policies Allow the Insurance Company to Elect the Repairs

Many homeowners are unaware that some insurance policies give the insurer the right to elect to repair the property.

If you:

• Sign a contractor agreement too early

• Prevent inspection

• Begin unauthorized repairs

The insurer may claim you violated policy terms and attempt to deny coverage.

4. You Could Accidentally Sign Away Your Rights

Some door-to-door contractors use contracts that:

• Assign insurance benefits

• Lock you into overpriced repairs

• Prevent you from choosing your own contractor

• Limit your legal options

Once signed, these contracts can be extremely difficult to undo.

To learn more about Wites & Rogers’s Insurance Claims Team please visit our Insurance Attorney page.

If You Need Help With Your Homeowner Insurance Claim, Call Us For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation At:

954-933-4400