Protect your family from storm-chasing contractors
After a hurricane, the first knock on your door may not be help. Dishonest contractors and public adjusters often move into storm-hit Florida neighborhoods within days, looking for homeowners who are stressed, tired, and eager to get repairs started.
Many homeowners don’t realize they’ve been taken advantage of until it’s too late: the claim is tied up, the repairs are poor or unfinished, and the money is gone. The good news is that contractor fraud is easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Red flags of contractor fraud
Be cautious if you see any of these warning signs:
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Unsolicited contact. A text, flier, or knock on your door from a contractor you didn’t call.
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A “free” roof or home inspection. Free offers are often a way to find, or invent, damage for a claim.
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Pressure to let them handle your claim. A request to sign a contract that lets the contractor deal with your insurance company on your behalf.
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No license or insurance. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors leave you exposed if work is poor or someone is hurt on your property.
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Payment upfront. A request for a large deposit or full payment before work begins.
What to do if a contractor knocks
A few simple steps keep you in control of your home and your claim:
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Call your agent first. If you think your home is damaged, or a contractor tells you it is, contact Family Insurance Centers before you do anything else.
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Don’t sign anything yet. Wait until you’ve spoken with your insurance agent or your insurance company, Cypress.
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You don’t need an AOB or Direction to Pay. Neither document is required to get your claim handled promptly.
What is an Assignment of Benefits or Direction to Pay?
These documents shift control of your insurance claim, or its payment, from you to the contractor. Once signed, you may lose your say over how your claim is handled and how the money is spent.
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Assignment of Benefits (AOB): hands your claim rights to a third party, such as a contractor.
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Direction to Pay: instructs your insurance company to pay the contractor directly.
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The bottom line: you never need to sign either one to have your claim handled promptly. If a contractor insists, treat it as a red flag.
How to vet a contractor before you hire
A legitimate contractor will welcome these questions:
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Verify the license on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation site, MyFloridaLicense.com.
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Ask for proof of insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
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Get a written estimate with the scope of work, materials, and timeline spelled out.
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Collect more than one bid so you can compare prices and spot inflated quotes.
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Pay as work is completed, never the full amount upfront.
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Report suspected fraud to the Florida Department of Financial Services and let your agent know.
Call us first. We’re here to help.
After a storm, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team at Family Insurance Centers will help you understand your coverage, report your claim the right way, and steer clear of contractors who don’t have your best interests at heart.
Family Insurance Centers 2025 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803 · Call (863) 667-2525 or text (863) 260-7165 team@familyinsurancecenters.com
Trusted advice, dependable coverage, and service you can count on, for Lakeland and Polk County families.
