Home in Need of a Repair? Beware of Scary Contractors
While most home restoration contractors are reliable, Florida has witnessed a frightening increase in cases related to the scary concept of Assignment of Benefits abuse in recent years.
Shady repair contractors team up with public adjusters and trial lawyers, and they often:
- Insist that you sign a broadly worded Assignment of Benefits contract before making repairs.
- Improperly inflate the value of your claim.
- Involve you in costly disputes, including litigation, without your approval and sometimes without your knowledge.
Don’t be tricked by scam artists this Halloween season. Here are a few simple ways you can ward off spooky repair contractors and avoid home repair fraud:
Do Your Research
Before hiring a repair contractor, find out what other people say about them online. Multiple complaints and a low rating may indicate shady business practices.
Search the Better Business Bureau website to verify that the repair contractor is a BBB Accredited Business with an Accredited A+ Rating.
You should also verify that your repair contractor is licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Read the Fine Print
Before any repair work begins, ask for a written contract that lists the repair work to be done, costs, materials, start and completion dates, and warranty information. Carefully read the fine print, and never sign a contract that you do not understand. If you need to, have your contract reviewed by an attorney before you sign.
Report Home Repair Fraud
You can cancel a home repair contract within three to five days of signing. If you suspect fraud, notify your home insurance company immediately and report it to the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud, either online or by calling toll-free 800.378.0445.
Policyholders: When Damage Strikes… Call People’s Trust First at 561-609-1002.
Enjoy the treat of knowing you have People’s Trust Insurance protecting your family and home. Your homeowner’s insurance policy entitles you to 24/7 emergency services for covered damage repairs. We’re there when you need us most.
In the event that you need to file a claim, call People’s Trust first. Our seamless, no-hassle recovery means we will be there for you every step of the way. There’s no need for public adjusters and lawyers, whose involvement can dramatically increase costs by raising everyone’s premiums. And with our affiliate, the Rapid Response Team, you can avoid the trap of assigning your benefits to shady contractors and losing control of your own home repairs.
Why Call People’s Trust First?
Speed
People’s Trust will handle your claim with our affiliated general contractor, the Rapid Response Team. Your first call is the fastest and easiest way to get your home back to normal, fast. The Rapid Response Team is ready to deploy with emergency repairs at a moment’s notice, 24/7.
“I’m very grateful for your remarkably ‘rapid response’ during Sunday’s pipe/water crisis. I’m grateful to the entire team, all of whom continue to contribute to my sense of safety & peace of mind! The response was truly rapid. The professionalism, kindness and patience provided an invaluable source of protection and reassurance ‘normality’ will return soon! Your professionalism and kindness, individually and collectively, have given me great peace of mind during an especially chaotic and stressful time. Again, THANK YOU! The Rapid Response Team couldn’t have a more appropriate name!”
Denise R.
Policyholder, Hollywood
Our upfront investment in preparedness and our simplified recovery process save you money. Our team of experts is ready to take care of your repair needs as efficiently and affordably as possible – with all workmanship backed by a 3-year customer satisfaction guarantee.
“When I switched to People’s Trust, I saved a considerable amount of money on the premiums for two houses. That alone had me recommending that friends and family get quotes from People’s Trust. Now, in addition to saving me money on the premiums, I can say that I’ve had an amazingly positive experience with People’s Trust on a claim. I know it’s hard to believe that anyone can love an insurance company, but I had the most incredibly positive experience with them on a claim that I was stunned by their excellent customer service!”
Luanne P.
Policyholder, Tampa
Convenience
Easily set your recovery in motion with one phone call to People’s Trust Insurance – we’re here when you need us. We’ll quickly schedule adjusters to visit your home so repairs can begin immediately. And thanks to the Rapid Response Team, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of lining up contractors and managing their work.
The Rapid Response Team, an entity affiliated with People’s Trust Insurance Company, may coordinate or provide all repair services in conjunction with our Better Way approach. Participation in the Better Way approach requires the selection of the Preferred Contractor Endorsement Form, E023. Our Better Way approach is subject to product terms, exclusions, and limitations.