Beware of Claims Specialists and Home Repair Companies

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Insurance Commissioner, Kim Holland, is reminding Oklahomans that not all claims specialists and home repair companies have their best interest in mind.

Consumer Tips:

• Stop, call and confirm any unsolicited storm-related inquiries from an insurance adjuster. Oklahomans can call the Oklahoma Insurance Department's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-522-0071 or by using the Department's Web site to verify if an adjuster is licensed.

• Consumers also can contact the Better Business Bureau to verify a home repair company is a legitimate business in good standing. It is also good to verify with your family, friends or neighbors about their experiences with a particular company.

• Be leery of fly-by-night claims specialist or out-of-state home repair companies.

• Even if you were not affected by the storms, this is a great time to review your current homeowner's policy and verify you are prepared for the next storm.

• Prepare a homeowner's inventory. This inventory can be used as a reference sheet in case a natural disaster destroys all or part of your home and other belongings, helping to facilitate a speedy and more accurate insurance claim and recovery effort post-disaster.

• If Oklahomans are in need of assistance or do not feel they are being treated fairly they should call the Oklahoma Insurance Department's Consumer Assistance Hotline (1-800-522-0071) to file a Request for Assistance.

Learn more at the Oklahoma Insurance Department Web site or call the Oklahoma Insurance Department Consumer Hotline at 1-800-522-0071.