In the aftermath of a disaster, homeowners are often left grappling with damage and the daunting task of recovery, a time when vulnerability can open the door to opportunistic scammers seeking to take advantage of the situation. The City of Pasadena warns residents to be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance from door knockers, phone calls, or emails purporting to help with insurance claims. It's essential for residents to carefully review adjuster contracts, understand associated fees—which are typically a percentage of the insurance claim—and verify the adjuster's license through the California Department of Insurance's website before committing to any services.
As the recovery process begins, individuals should immediately report their losses to their insurance companies, but they must also take prudent steps to protect their property from further damage, as subsequent issues may not be covered by their policy, moreover, they should take photos of their damages before rushing into repairs or choosing contractors and should consider all options carefully. Furthermore, the California Department of Insurance advises to check if the contractor is licensed by contacting the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and making sure the claim is settled with the insurance company before hiring a public adjuster or a lawyer, who will require a percentage of the claim settlement as their fee.
Residents seeking to hire a public adjuster should first verify the adjuster's license by contacting the License Bureau or the Consumer Hotline of the California Department of Insurance. The CDI stresses that public awareness and education are critical to helping those affected avoid further problems and only deal with licensed contractors. Homeowners should not throw away damaged property until advised by their adjuster, as an on-site inspection might be necessary before repairs begin.
For those who suspect they've encountered a scam, the City of Pasadena has provided a hotline at (626) 744-4241 for reporting fraudulent activities.
