Avoid Contractor Scams & Protect Your Insurance

A friend of mine hired a contractor to replace their driveway. They paid half upfront, and the contractor tore it up—then disappeared. They had to hire (and pay) another company to finish the job.

Scams like this happen all the time, especially after storms, fires, or water damage. When you need repairs fast, it’s easy to fall for a bad deal. But choosing the wrong contractor can lead to financial loss, unnecessary insurance claims, and even higher premiums.

Watch Out for Door-Knockers

If someone shows up at your door saying, “Your neighbors all got new roofs—you probably have storm damage too!”, be cautious.

Some contractors use high-pressure tactics to push you into filing unnecessary insurance claims. Others have even caused damage during “inspections,” turning it into a vandalism claim.

How to Find a Legitimate Contractor

Here’s what I always recommend:

Ask for referrals. Your insurance agent, family, and friends are great resources.
Get three estimates. If you suspect damage, compare quotes before filing an insurance claim.
Check credentials. Are they licensed and insured? Look up their BBB rating and reviews.
Never pay upfront. Pay in installments as the job progresses. Reputable contractors won’t demand full payment before starting.
Get it in writing. A contract should include:
- Scope of work
- Start and end dates
- Payment schedule
- Warranties on materials and labor
No cash payments upfront. If they offer a cash discount, only pay after the job is 100% complete.

The Lowest Bid Isn’t Always the Best

When my husband and I built an addition, we paid more for a quality contractor—and it was worth every penny. The lowest bid often means cut corners, and if the work is bad, your homeowners insurance may not cover future issues.

Protect Your Home & Insurance Policy

Your home insurance policy is there for real losses—not bad contractors. Filing unnecessary claims can increase your rates or even put your coverage at risk.

Before making repairs, talk to your insurance provider and choose wisely.

-Jean Mabry & Your OneDigital Team

p.s. Remember, we have a 24/7/365 insurance emergency hotline where you can reach one of our team members who is on call – (888) 779-2800.

In case you missed it – we have created a guide on What Policyholders Need to Know About Home & Auto Insurance.

We hope this information helps you to make more strategic insurance decisions. We’d love to hear from you – please reach out! We are here to help.

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