With the arrival of Hurricane Florence, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey offered a word of support to residents whose homes and property are vulnerable to storm damage. 

“I want to assure the state’s residents, North Carolina’s Insurance Industry and the North Carolina Coastal Beach Plan are robust and in the best shape they have ever been,” Causey said. “We are prepared for the onslaught of claims that may be coming in that, once paid, will keep residents’ homes, property and lives intact.” 

With the prediction of flooding a byproduct of the hurricane, Causey ensures residents he is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program. As soon as the storm passes and it is safe to do so, agents will be on the ground to assist storm victims to help with their property. 

Also, once the storm clears, the North Carolina Department of Insurance will set up Consumer Assistance Centers to help North Carolinians with their insurance needs and concerns. These locations will be listed on the NCDOI website at ncdoi.com and in the local media once the locations are identified.  

Causey also encourages North Carolinians to be wise to avoid potential scams as they rebuild their homes and lives.  

“If you’re asked for your John Hancock or to sign on the dotted line, stop and ask yourself if this is a scam,” Causey said. “Unfortunately, scam artists use emergency situations such as a hurricane to prey on citizens during this vulnerable time. Keep your guard up so that you don’t get ripped off.” 

Commissioner Causey offered the following tips to help keep victims from being ripped off: 

• Be wary of roofing sales representatives or contractors going door-to-door soliciting business. Deal only with reputable roofing and construction contractors. People should contact their local Better Business Bureau or check out the business’ reputation through online clearinghouses such as Angie’s List or Yelp for questions.

• Contact the insurance company before signing a contract for home repairs.

• People should not enter into a contract with a public adjuster until they have talked with their insurance agent.

• Only work with licensed and insured contractors.

• Get more than one estimate. People should not be pushed into signing a contract right away.

• Get everything in writing, including the cost of labor and materials, and a work schedule with a completed date.

• Get IDs from sales representatives. People should write down the representative’s name, driver’s license number and license plate number in case problems arise.

• Never sign a blank contract.

• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is completed.

People who believe they are being scammed or want to report suspected fraud may call the North Carolina Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840.

– Submitted article