Storm Chaser Bill

It is storm season here in the Midwest and all around the state we can see the damage caused by storms. All too often homeowners are stuck and need immediate help to repair the storm damage.

Senate File 466 attempts to provide protection for homeowners from unscrupulous contractors who chase major storms from state to state and prey on homeowners who have suffered damage to their roof or other exterior parts of their home. The contractors try to force homeowners into signing a contract to let them do the work immediately.

Too often, this work can be poorly done, and if the insurer refuses to cover the repairs, homeowners are stuck in these contracts with no way to pay. This bill provides homeowners with the right to cancel a contract if their insurance will not cover the repairs. It also requires the contractors to provide homeowners with information about cancelling the contract.

The bill also prohibits a residential contractor from holding itself out as an insurance adjustor and from promising to pay the home owners deductible. A residential contractor would have to provide notice at the signing of the contract the makes clear the contract is binding regardless if the insurance company ultimately agrees to pay for the repairs.

The bill is currently eligible for debate in the House, and I am hopeful that we will be able to pass this bill before the end of session.