State Farm Continues Response Effort from "Derecho"
July 5, 2012 - State Farm® continues to help customers affected by Friday evening’s “derecho” storm system in the D.C.-area.
As of Thursday, July 5, State Farm received more than 4,530 property claims and approximately 1,200 automobile claims in Maryland and more than 4,410 property claims and approximately 1,480 automobile claims in Virginia.
Neighborhoods recovering from storm damage often attract the attention of repair companies. State Farm wants to remind customers to always use a reputable contractor. Ask questions, do research, and obtain information, before signing a contract for repairs.
- Look for an established, licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors.
- Ask to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers compensation insurance coverage is carried, and are in force during the time the roofing work is being done.
- Insist on a detailed, written estimate clearly stating the quantity of materials needed (labor charges; work specifications) which include approximate starting and completion dates; payment procedures and that any necessary building permits are secured.
- Carefully review and understand any warranty and watch for conditions that would void it.
- Get multiple quotes from local established businesses.
- Use caution (ask questions) before accepting a bid substantially lower than other bids covering the same repair work.
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau to check for complaints filed against the contractor.
- You may also contact your National Roofing Contractors Association for assistance in locating a professional contractor in a specific geographic area at 1-800-USA-ROOF or 1-800-872-7663 or go to http://www.nrca.net/.
Customers should stay alert if a contractor:
- Offers unsolicited services for such projects as driveway sealing, chimney rebuilds and roof repair - projects that are commonly “pitched” to homeowners;
- Quotes a reduced price on the work because of “materials left over from a job down the street;”
- Offers a discount for using your home as a “demonstration;”
- Employs pushy door-to-door sales tactics;
- Appears to be from out of town or working out of an unbranded pickup truck;
- Demands immediate payment in full;
- Accepts cash only;
- Provides no written contract;
- Is not willing to produce references;
- Fails to provide proof of insurance and proper licensing;
- Suggests financing or recommend financing through someone they know;
- Asks you to secure any required permits; or
- Promises insurance compensation for their repairs.
State Farm customers who still need to file a claim can do so through their State Farm agent, StateFarm.com or
1-800-SFClaim (1-800-732-5246). You can also report an automobile claim on your smart phone using the Pocket Agent® app.
Contact
Anna Bryant, State Farm Public Affairs , (202) 263-4404
About State Farm®
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
