Press Releases

March 24,2017

Press Release

 

Oelwein Police To Citizens – Be Aware of Potential Hail Damage Repair Scams

 

The Oelwein Police Department are urging people to be on alert for unreliable contractors who may try to fool or deceive you out of your money in relation to the recent hailstorm.

 

Hail can damage vehicles, trees, fixtures, roofs, siding and more and people are generally rushed to try to get that damaged repaired. Be wary of persons that travel the path of these storms to prey on those that have experienced damage.

Victims of storm damage should be aware to not sign a contract or pay a repairman who shows up on their doorstep. Instead, they should check to make sure any contractor is bonded and insured, verify their address and website and check to see if they are a registered contractor with the State of Iowa. It is required for a contractor to be registered with the State of Iowa to work in the city of Oelwein.


It is also important to keep in mind that a person should not pay for the repairs in cash and to not pay the repair person but instead pay the company. Property owners are encouraged to get the estimates and agreements in writing.


Insurance Tips

  • Call your insurance company right away.

 

  • Take pictures of your damaged property. Keep notes and use an inventory list to help adjusters assess the damage.

 

  • If it is safe to do so, make temporary repairs to your home to prevent further damage. You may tarp your roof, cover broken windows with plywood or tarps, etc. Be sure to keep a record of time spent and all receipts for work done on your property.

 

  • Do not dispose of any damaged contents until authorized by your agent or claim representative.

 

  • Listen to and obey local authorities.


If your property has been damaged as a result of severe weather, the BBB offers these tips before choosing a contractor:

  • When approached by a contractor, ask for proof of licensing and bonding.

 

  • Try to get at least 3-4 quotes from contractors, and insist that payments be made to the company, not an individual.

 

  • Do not pay for the job in advance. Be wary of any contractor who demands full payment up front.

 

  • Do not hire people who show up at your door offering services such as dent removal and roof repair.

 

  • Resist high-pressure sales tactics such as the "good deal" you will get only if you hire the contractor on the spot.

 

  • Check out the company first with the BBB at www.bbb.org and deal only with reputable local contractors.

 

  • Get a written contract that specifies the price and the work to be done and a period.

 

  • Prices are often high in the immediate aftermath of a storm. Buy only the services that are necessary to make your home safe and habitable. Wait at least a few days to hire other contractors because the rates are likely to drop.

 

  • Pay by credit card, if possible; you may have additional protection if there is a problem. Otherwise, pay by check. Never pay in cash.

 

  • Check that the contractor's vehicle has signs or markings on it with the business name and phone number.

 

  • Be sure that all promises made are put in writing.



If you have a concern or question about whether or not a contractor is able to perform work in Oelwein, feel free to contact our local building inspector by calling Jim Prouty at 319-283-4311 or emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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