The Sconi

Severe weather struck northern Wisconsin recently, bringing hail and a tornado, which led to widespread damage. In response, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is cautioning property owners to be mindful when hiring repair contractors. The department emphasized the importance of avoiding door-to-door solicitors who may not offer reliable services.

DATCP has reported instances where transient repair crews, often referred to as "storm chasers," solicit business using high-pressure sales tactics following storm damage. While these crews may promise quick repairs to homeowners, they are often associated with poor-quality work or may even disappear after receiving payment without completing the repairs.

The department pointed out that many storm chasers are not local to Wisconsin and instead travel across the Midwest during storm seasons to exploit vulnerable consumers. This transient nature makes it challenging to recover lost funds if issues arise. DATCP advises consumers to opt for established local contractors, ensuring greater reliability and accountability.

Homeowners are encouraged to take several measures to protect themselves, including avoiding uninvited repair crews, verifying permits, seeking recommendations from trusted sources, and obtaining necessary permits and inspections. It is advised to always secure a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, timelines, warranty information, and to obtain lien waivers for payments made.

Wisconsin's statutory protections against insurance fraud highlight several requirements for contractors. They must not offer to cover insurance deductibles or negotiate with insurers without explicit customer consent. Acknowledging whether repairs relate to an insurance claim is mandatory before contract agreements, and they must inform clients about their right to cancel contracts within specified conditions.

Questions about insurance-related queries can be directed to the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Wisconsin at (800) 236-8517. For further consumer protection resources or to file complaints, individuals can access DATCP's Consumer Protection webpage or call their hotline at (800) 422-7128.