Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

At Lawley, we want to help protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

With historic flooding throughout Connecticut, we encourage homeowners to stay diligent and to be aware of the potential increase in fraudulent repair scams during this vulnerable time. As stated in the Connecticut Insurance Department Consumer Alert, “severe weather events often attract scammers who prey on vulnerable homeowners in need of urgent repairs.” Taking precautions and ensuring that a contractor is legitimate can prevent further financial loss.

Tips for Recognizing Repair Scams:

Avoid Red Flags

There’s a few telltale signs that indicate a contractor may be fraudulent:

  1. Asks for payments in cash or by wire transfer
  2. Does not provide a written contract
  3. Offers a special price off of a repair, before providing the final estimated price
  4. Solicits business directly at your door, without prior contact
  5. Unable to provide references or proof of credentials

Take Precautions

  1. Do your research and compare multiple contractors. You can confirm if a contractor is appropriately licensed and registered. In Connecticut, you can check this information by going to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website here.
  2. Retrieve estimates from several licensed and reputable contractors before committing to the best option for you. Ask for references and contact previous clients to discuss if work was done in accordance to contact price and work expectations.
  3. Ensure you receive a detailed written contract, review all aspects, and ask questions if needed before signing.

Lawley has several locations in Connecticut including Darien, North Haven, Norwalk, Shelton, and Stamford as well as 10+ locations throughout New York and New Jersey.

To learn more about our personal insurance options, contact us today.