Allstate Offers Tips on Hiring Contractors and How to File Claim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) September 6, 2011 -- ATLANTA (Sept. 7, 2011) – Allstate Insurance (NYSE: ALL) recommends Metro Atlanta residents carefully inspect their homes and vehicles for damage following the Labor Day storms that hit much of the Metro Atlanta Area, especially Cherokee and Cobb counties.

Allstate policyholders can begin the claim process by calling or visiting their Allstate Agent, calling 1-800-54-STORM or logging onto Allstate.com.

Here are some things people can do to begin to pick up the pieces…

• Make sure your home is structurally safe. If your home has sustained serious structural damage, be extremely careful and be sure it is safe to be inside the home.
• Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save the receipts for temporary home repairs as these expenses may be reimbursed as part of your homeowner’s policy. Your adjuster will need this information.
• If your home is uninhabitable, review your policy to find out what additional living expenses your insurance policy may provide. Keep any receipts for expenses that may be reimbursed as part of your homeowners policy.
• Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant Allstate policy numbers.
• Report possible claims promptly.

• Inventory your home and list damaged items before your adjuster arrives. An inventory can help facilitate the claim process after a disaster.

For the most current locations of Allstate’s Mobile Claims Centers, please visit www.allstate.com/catastrophe/Mobile-Response-Units.aspx.

When hiring a contractor, applying some quick research with the Better Business Bureau and trusting your instincts can help save some problems. Also, try these 11 points to avoid getting scammed.

• Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home.

• Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.

• Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association.

• Ask your neighbors what they’re paying for similar work.

• Inspect contractors’ licenses and proof of liability insurance.

• Get a contract in writing.

• Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable contractors will require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments shouldn’t exceed the costs of materials or 20 percent of the total estimate.

• Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.

• If anyone performs work on your house or property without your permission, don’t pay them, and contact your local authorities.

• Avoid signing over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.

• Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local police, sheriff’s department and Allstate agent.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

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