Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- From the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency:
We urge residents impacted by Wednesday’s tornado to be cautious when approached by unsolicited contractors offering repairs. Unfortunately, there are individuals and businesses who attempt to take advantage of residents during difficult times, especially homeowners dealing with storm-related damage. Please don’t believe them if they say FEMA or the State will pay for any part of it.
Before Signing a Contract:
- Contact your insurance agent before agreeing to any repairs.
- Ask friends, family, or your insurance company for contractor referrals.
- Take time to research contractors and verify their credentials.
- Never feel pressured to sign a contract immediately.
If you believe you were pressured or forced into signing a contract, Illinois law gives you three business days to cancel it. For assistance, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-243-0618.
Debris Removal
Contact your insurance company before removing debris. Property owners are generally responsible for clearing debris from their property, but many insurance policies cover debris removal as part of restoring your property after a loss. Your insurance company can explain what is covered and what documentation may be required.
Tree Removal
Check directly with your insurance provider to determine whether tree removal is covered and what limitations may apply.
Many homeowners’ insurance policies provide only limited coverage for tree removal. In many cases, insurance may cover removing a tree from a home or structure to prevent additional damage, but it may not cover hauling the tree away from the property.
If you hire a contractor to remove trees, make sure the contract clearly states whether removal and disposal are included. Contractors who agree to remove trees should also be responsible for properly disposing of them according to the terms of their contract.
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