Storm season leads to scam season, agent offers advice

Not even two weeks into May and severe storms have already ripped through parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, setting up what could be a long storm season.

Tuesday was cleanup time for many people in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin — a strong cell moved through the Chisago County area, leveling trees and destroying buildings.

It was also a busy day for North Lakes Insurance in Wyoming — they started the day fielding phone calls from clients.

“People are saying ‘my gosh what do I do — I’ve got trees down, I’ve got shingles off my roof,’” Craig Cold, with North Lakes Insurance, said.

Right now, Cold says homeowners should prepare in a few ways:

• Get familiar with your coverage
• Take photos/videos of your home before any potential damage
• If you do sustain damage from a storm, document as much as you can before cleanup – then contact your agent quickly

“You’re not the only one going to suffer this storm damage,” Cold said, adding: “This is a business, in a large storm you may have adjusters pulled in from different parts of the country [and] they’re going to start setting up their agenda, their calendars.”

While Cold says to act quickly, he still says to keep your wits about you — that’s because unfortunately people try to take advantage of your situation.

“After a storm you’re going to be getting people all over the country and are going to want to do this work,” Cold said, mentioning it’s best to go local if you can.

“It just makes sense for myself if you’re dealing with somebody locally — they’re going to be around after the storm to make sure that their work was done properly.”

The Better Business Bureau can also help you not get scammed — it has a list for you to search for legitimate contractors.