Experiencing storm damage? Make sure you don’t also fall victim to unscrupulous contractors. The best way to protect yourself is to trust your instincts, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. You want to use extreme caution if being solicited door to door for storm damage repair. Most reputable contractors do not solicit business in this fashion. Door to door solicitations are a red flag that indicate these contractors may not be local. Ask all contractors for references and to see proof of insurance. Make sure to contact those references and make sure all their insurance is up to date and current. Even though your house may have damage, and repair seems urgent, be sure not to rush into a contract, make sure you do your research first. This will save you headaches in the long run. Also be sure to have a written contract in place before the work is started. And finally, when making payment to contractors, never pay more than1/3 in advance. Making payment with credit cards is the safest route. Never pay cash upfront for any job. Always remember to contact your BBB before hiring a contractor.