Storm Damage Repairs: How Wisconsin Homeowners Can Protect Themselves After Severe Weather

Following recent storms that brought tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds
across Wisconsin, many families are beginning the cleanup and repair
process. At Marshfield Insurance, we want to help you protect not only your
home, but also your finances during this stressful time.

Start With Your Insurance Agent

If your home or vehicle has been damaged, contact your insurance agent or
insurance company as soon as possible. Reporting your claim promptly helps
begin the claims process and gives you an opportunity to receive guidance
before repairs are made.

Before making temporary repairs or beginning cleanup:

• Take clear photos and videos of all damage.
• Create a list of damaged property.
• Save samples of damaged materials, such as shingles or siding, when possible.
• Keep damaged items until your claims adjuster confirms they can be discarded.
• Save receipts for emergency repairs and replacement purchases.

Be Careful of Storm Chasers

After major storms, out-of-town contractors may travel into affected
communities offering immediate repairs. These transient crews are sometimes
called “storm chasers.”

While some contractors may be legitimate, others perform poor-quality work,
request large upfront payments, or disappear before the job is finished.
It may also be difficult to recover your money if an out-of-state contractor
leaves the area.

Protect yourself by following these practices:

• Work with established local contractors whenever possible.
• Ask friends, neighbors, and your insurance agent for recommendations.
• Read reviews and verify the contractor’s reputation.
• Be cautious of anyone pressuring you to sign a contract immediately.
• Avoid paying the entire project cost upfront.

A reputable contractor should give you time to review your options and
understand how the repairs relate to your insurance claim.

Get Everything in Writing

Before work begins, make sure you have a written contract that clearly
explains:

• The work that will be completed
• The materials that will be used
• The estimated start and completion dates
• Warranty information
• The total project cost and payment schedule

Keep copies of all contracts, invoices, receipts, warranties, estimates,
lien waivers, and communications.

You should also check with your local building inspector to determine
whether permits are required. When appropriate, have the completed work
inspected before making the final payment.

Know Your Rights Under Wisconsin Law

Wisconsin law provides important protections for property owners hiring
contractors for work connected to an insurance claim.

In Wisconsin, contractors:

• Cannot promise to pay any portion of a property owner’s insurance deductible.
• Cannot negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a customer.
  With the customer’s permission, they may discuss damage and repair costs
  with the insurer.
• Must ask whether the work is related to an insurance claim before entering
  into a contract.
• Must notify customers about their right to cancel the contract within
  three business days if the insurer denies any portion of the claim for
  the contracted work.

Vehicle Damage? Choose Your Repair Shop Carefully

Hail, falling branches, and storm debris can also cause significant damage
to vehicles. When selecting an auto body shop:

• Ask friends, family members, and other trusted local sources for recommendations.
• Talk with your insurance provider about selecting a repair shop.
• Read customer reviews and research the shop’s complaint history.
• Keep records of estimates, conversations, invoices, expenses, and repair authorizations.

An auto body shop cannot perform repairs you did not authorize or increase
the price of authorized repairs without your approval after providing an
estimate or quote.

Once the work is complete, the shop should provide an invoice describing
the repairs, replaced parts, labor, and associated costs.

We’re Here to Help

Recovering after a storm can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to
navigate the insurance process alone.

At Marshfield Insurance, we are here to answer your questions, help you
understand your coverage, and guide you through the claims process.

If your home, vehicle, or other property was damaged during a recent storm,
contact our office as soon as possible. We can help you begin your claim and
make informed decisions throughout the repair process.

Working with trusted local professionals and taking a few extra precautions
can help protect your property, finances, and peace of mind.