Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller Wednesday announced a representative of her department will be in Centre County Thursday, November 3 to provide residents impacted by the October 20 and 21 flooding in the region with important information on filing flood insurance claims and avoiding home repair scams.
An Insurance Department representative will be at the Freedom Life Church, 113 Sunset Acres, Milesburg, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on November 3.
“It’s important for homeowners with flood insurance to know what information and documentation they need to file a claim,” Commissioner Miller said.
She said homeowners should take photos or video of damage, and keep a record of what was damaged. She also said residents should document each phone call or other conversation with their insurer, including the name and title of the person with whom they spoke, and the date of the conversation.
“Homeowners should only make those repairs necessary for them to live in their home, until getting approval from their insurer for the cost of permanent repairs,” Commissioner Miller said.
She also cautioned residents to beware of scammers who will claim to represent them to their insurer to get a better deal, and to watch out for unscrupulous home repair contractors.
“Policyholders can employ individuals called public adjusters to assist with the claims process, but these people must be licensed by the Insurance Department. Always ask for the Insurance Department license number from anyone claiming to be a public adjuster,” Commissioner Miller said.
She added that while most home repair contractors are honest, homeowners should check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau, where all contractors who do more than $5000 of business per year in Pennsylvania must register.
Consumers with questions or complaints can visit the Consumer Services Bureau on the department website, or call 1-877-881-6388.
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