After a storm like last nights passes through, the immediate reaction is to start to cleaning up the damage, but if you don't take the proper steps... It may cost you a lot more in the long run. Insurance agents around the Local 6 region are taking in claims, and urge customers to follow the proper steps after damage occurs to make sure you get the coverage you are paying for.

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. — As a storm passes through, insurance agents like Ricky Greenwell know they've got a busy day ahead of them.

"During the storm, if this is kind of like a basketball game, we're sitting on the bench," said Greenwell. "We know we are getting ready to go in but it's not time for us. But as soon as the storm is over, that's when the coach puts us in the game and it's time to do our job."

Once the dust settles, Greenwell surveys the damage severe weather left behind. That makes it possible for farmers like J.W. Goodwin to get back to work.

"They've had a traumatic incident in their life," Greenwell said. "As soon as you can get stuff cleaned up and back to your life the better off you are."

Greenwell has grown used to seeing damage after the ice storm in 2009 and when the remnants of Hurricane Ike came through our area the year before.

Insurance rates went up after but, he said, these most recent storms are different.

"These storms this year are much smaller but they're scattered across the whole state, so the outcome of that is still to be seen."

As Greenwell travels from claim to claim, he is glad to see most of his clients escaped the storm with minor damage. He reminds them to follow the proper steps.

"Protect your safety of your family first. Call your insurance agent, then get somebody out and do some temporary repairs."

Greenwell also said to document the damage by taking pictures before you start those temporary repairs and remove debris. These steps, he said, can help ensure you'll get the coverage you're paying for.

 

Once you file a claim, the next step is to find a contractor to make necessary repairs.

But the Better Business Bureau warns to be careful when choosing someone to do the job.

One way to avoid getting ripped off: ask your insurance agent for a recommendation.

In fact, The Daily Register out of Harrisburg, Illinois, reports one case of a suspicious contractor offering to do clean up work. That's another reason it's good to get at least three quotes for major repairs.

Here are a few more things you should avoid when hiring contractors:

 

• Evasive Answers: Make sure the contractor directly answers all of your questions and concerns. Also be very wary if the contractor wants you to make a check out to him, not a company.

• Out Of State Vehicles: Have some local pride and use a contractor from your own town. Verify the contractor's name, company, address, and phone number.

• Pushy Timelines: Come-ons like "We're in the neighborhood only this week." or "Our prices are good for only two days." are just that, come-ons. Good contractors don't cut special deals; they don't need to. They don't offer discounts if you promise to recommend them to your friends and neighbors either.

• Favored References: Ask to talk to the contractor's last three customers, not his favorites. Ask detailed questions to get a good sense of the contractor's workmanship.

• Lapsed Licenses: Look up the contractor's Better Business Bureau rating. Call the local building inspector's office to make sure your contractor is licensed, and call their carrier to make sure they have insurance.

• Verbal Contracts: Every verbal promise should be included in the contract, as should the three-day notice of cancellation required by federal law for contracts signed in the home.

• Blank Contracts: You wouldn't hand over a blank check, so don't sign a blank contract. Make sure every space is filled in or crossed out.

• Shady Financing: Don't let the contractor deal with the financing until you do your own homework. 

• Demands For Full Payment: Withholding payment is the best way to prod a lazy contractor into action. Don't pay the full bill until you are satisfied with the completed project.