First, before you hire a contractor to repair your property, you need to do your homework. Make sure the company you hire is qualified to do the repairs. Make sure they have a good track record and are reputable. Ask for references from previous customers. The storm has attracted many roofing contractors and automobile damage repair companies from out of town. And that’s fine. It’s the American way, the free enterprise system in operation. We support that. However, it means that you, the property owner, need to make sure those contractors will stand by their work and come back to Midland to make good on their work if you later discover that repairs were made improperly. If they’ve come from out of town, make sure they give you a way to contact them in the future should you later have concerns about your repairs. Some contractors carry insurance to protect you if they are negligent in repairing your property. Ask them to provide you with a certificate of their insurance. If you need help getting through the process, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance agent for suggestions.

Second, because of the large number of claims that have been filed, there will be delays in getting estimates from contractors and there will be delays in their availability to perform the repairs. You may want to follow up with your contractor of choice, but be patient because it will take some time to get around to everyone.

Third, you have the right to select the repair contractor of your choice. Some insurance companies have structured preferred arrangements with certain contractors, which may be in your best interest to accept, but you should not hesitate to consider other options.

A final thought: let the old saying, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” guide you. Be prudent, be patient and be proactive.

J. David Mims
President
Mims & Smith Insurance Asscociates