Andrich Insurance

 
STORM CHASERS 08/17/2010
 
Every summer, scam artists who pose as contractors take thousands of dollars from unsuspecting Ohio residents. State Rep. Matt Patten, D-18, of Strongsville has introduced legislation that he hopes will protect homeowners from criminals, known as “storm chasers.”   Patten and Rep. Dennis Murray, D-80, of Sandusky recently introduced legislation that will increase protection for homeowners whose homes are damaged by severe weather.   The bill protects not only homeowners but it also protects local contractors from having their reputations ruined.   The legislation targets the storm chasers who are often from out-of-state and usually pose as contractors. They usually come into areas that have been affected by severe weather, such as tornadoes, lightning hail and high winds.  Oftentimes, storm-chasers secure the goodwill of another contractor and work under their name.  The storm chasers then usually go around to the storm-damaged homes and offer their services to the family. They secure a deposit for their work and usually leave town before the work is completed or before they ever even start the work.   The bill will establish several consumer protections in home improvement contracts.  It requires contracts to be in writing and detail the identity of the contractors. Further, it will limit the amount that a homeowner will have to pay as a down payment or deposit for work yet to be completed and requires contractors to maintain a minimal level of insurance.  Patten would also like the bill to require that contractors have licenses, but the final details have not yet been established.   The bill will be placed in committee and the final details of the bill will be pushed.

(Article taken from www.cleveland.com)

 


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