ND Insurance Department recommends storm victims to start claims, beware of questionable contractors

Jun. 28—JAMESTOWN — Anyone whose property was damaged from the severe weather event on June 20-21 should file a claim as soon as possible and be cautious of "storm chase" contractors, according to Blaine Bergstedt, director of the North Dakota Insurance Department's Property and Casualty Division.

"The first thing is filing the claim with the company and getting that started is key just to start the process," Bergstedt said. "It basically notifies the company, and they can begin the process of scheduling an adjuster to come out and take a look at the property, and just getting everything going. Oftentimes, the insurance company will have instructions to follow, give you more contact information on who you can call and talk to."

He said insurance companies will have a high volume of calls and their adjusters will be spending a lot of time in multiple areas.

"That's one thing to consider," he said.

Two storms moved through Jamestown on June 20-21 that caused power outages and downed multiple trees in the Jamestown area.

Bergstedt said the first step a property owner needs to take to file an insurance claim is to check for damage and document it thoroughly before making any temporary repairs. He said it is important to take photos and videos of all the damage.

"Documenting all damage is imperative for the insurance company to just see it as it was," he said.

He said property owners should make sure the property is structurally safe to prevent any additional losses. Property owners should also document any receipts for materials or services that were used for repairs.

"Oftentimes, if it's a major item, they (insurance companies) might need receipts," Bergstedt said. "So it's important to document your receipts and proof of purchase for things like that."

Bergstedt said property owners filing insurance claims should be prepared to answer a lot of questions. He said it can be stressful and frustrating answering lots of questions when dealing with the aftermath of any losses but insurance adjusters will need detailed information for their reports.

"The sooner they can get that, the sooner they can try to get your claim finished and get you back on your feet," he said.

The North Dakota Insurance Department also recommends getting at least three quotes from separate contractors and for property owners to work with their insurance companies to hire reputable contractors.

Bergstedt said "storm chase" contractors will be coming to communities that were affected by the severe weather. He said property owners should make sure to ask if contractors have a contractor's license, an online presence, references or reviews.

"If they don't want to give you that, if they're not willing to show you any documentation of their license or their insurance or bond, bonding that can be a kind of a sign that they're maybe not as credible," he said.

Property owners should verify the contractor's insurance coverage, workers' compensation, check for references and obtain multiple estimates, said Tom Blackmore, zoning administrator for the city of Jamestown.

"Be cautious of bids that are significantly low or high, get a written contract and be cautious of contracts with high down payments," he said.

Blackmore said he has been pulling roofing contractor signs on road right-of-ways and contacting those contractors about city of Jamestown licensing. He said a contractor must have a city license for any project that is more than $500.

"City licensure requires they complete the application, submit the fee and have a $10,000 bond," he said. "They also have to be licensed in North Dakota."

Blackmore said the city fee is $300 for a contractor to get licensed in Jamestown.

He added that a list of licensed contractors in Jamestown is available on the city's website at

www.jamestownnd.gov

.

Bergstedt said property owners could have issues with getting out-of-state contractors to come back and make repairs on their work once their job is complete and they leave North Dakota.

"They're traveling multiple states," he said. " ... So you can always ask them up front, 'What's your policy on coming back to help if there are any issues or any problems?' If they don't provide anything to you that can be a flag."

Bergstedt said not all traveling contractors are dishonest. He said if a contractor is using high-pressure tactics to demand a down payment, that could also be a flag.

"Typically, if they are reputable, they'll set up a contract, set up a typical payment structure," he said.

Bergstedt said insurance companies can help property owners find reputable contractors.

"They'll definitely know contractors in the area just through claims and previous engagements," he said. "They can also help provide names and companies that they've worked with in the past, so that can be beneficial too. You can ask your insurance company if they have anyone, recommend anyone ... and that's a good way too to get that ball rolling."

If anyone has any questions or concerns, contact the North Dakota Insurance Department by calling (701) 328-2440 or emailing

[email protected]

.

"We can help navigate through anything that they have, questions or concerns," Bergstedt said.

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According to its website, the North Dakota Insurance Department recommends the following steps for policyholders after a storm:

* Check roofs, siding, windows, vehicles and other structures for signs of hail, wind or water damage.

* Document the damage thoroughly before making any temporary repairs. Photos and videos will be needed when filing an insurance claim.

* Take reasonable steps to secure your property and prevent additional losses, such as tarping a damaged roof or boarding broken windows. Keep receipts for any materials or services used.

* Keep receipts for any temporary housing or other living expenses. If your home is uninhabitable due to storm damage, your homeowners or renters policy may cover those expenses.

* File a claim as soon as possible. Have your policy number handy and be prepared to provide details about the damage.

* Make note of the time, date and who you spoke with when filing your claim. Keep copies of all correspondence and estimates.

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The North Dakota Insurance Department recommends the following steps for policyholders after a storm:

*

* Check roofs, siding, windows, vehicles, and other structures for signs of hail, wind, or water damage.

* Document the damage thoroughly before making any temporary repairs. Photos and videos are essential when filing an insurance claim.

* Take reasonable steps to secure your property and prevent additional losses, such as tarping a damaged roof or boarding broken windows. Keep receipts for any materials or services used.

* If your home is uninhabitable due to storm damage, your homeowners or renters policy may cover temporary housing and other living expenses. Keep receipts

* File a claim as soon as possible. Have your policy number handy and be prepared to provide details about the damage.

* Make note of the time, date, and who you spoke with when filing your claim. Keep copies of all correspondence and estimates.

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