TEXAS — Several parts of Texas received devastating amounts of hail Thursday. Some areas received hail so large, it damaged their vehicles, roofs and other pieces of property.
If you have to get hail damaged repaired, be aware of scammers who reach out about hail damage. Here are a few tips from the Better Business Bureau to avoid scams:
- Find out if you’re covered. Your insurance policy may cover hail damage. If you haven’t already, call your insurance company to report the damage and discuss how to proceed with repairs. Make sure you understand how your insurance company will reimburse your repair costs. Take photos and videos of the damage.
- Ask for a timeline. Find out how long the repair will take. If damage was heavy in your area, it may take longer to schedule the repairs. Make sure to ask whether the company offers rental vehicles or have a plan to obtain a rental vehicle for the duration of the repair.
- Get everything in writing. Be sure all work is explained in the contract, including cleanup, waste disposal, start and completion dates. Any verbal agreements made should be included in the contract.
- Do your research. After an insurance adjuster has surveyed your hail damage, you will need to find a reputable company to make repairs. Check with the Better Business Bureau to find a trustworthy business, such as roofing contractors or auto body shops. Get several bids. Don’t pay large fees upfront or pay in cash. BBB recommends consumers solicit bids from at least three different companies. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided.