• Check company with AZ Registrar of Contractors
  602-542-1525 or http://www.azroc.gov

• Check out facility and meet the staff

• Ask how many years they have been in business

• Ask for references. What types of services, who they provide them for and how timely their completions are

• Inquire about payment terms, deductible responsibility and mortgage company involvement

• Check their policy regarding 20 day pre-liens and lien releases

• Find out the company’s reputation in the industry

• Inquire about financial status and ask for bank references

Please read the following excerpt from the Arizona Department of Insurance issued June 20, 2003:

• Be wary of contractors or repairmen that solicit door-to-door.  Doing business with licensed and insured contractors gives you protection and options if you do not received the quality work for which you contracted.
• Call the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to verify the license of a contractor: (602) 542-1525 or toll free at (888) 271-9286.  Call the Better Business Bureau at (602) 264-1721 (Phoenix) or (520) 888-5353 (Tuscon).
• Never let anyone persuade you to seek reimbursement for non-existent losses or damages.  This constitutes insurance fraud, which is a felony.

You may be contacted by a public adjuster who offers to represent you and handle your claim.  Such services are legal, but as with all contractual, intangible services you purchase, it is important that you understand what you are buying and make sure these services are right for you.  If you choose to hire a public adjuster, read the contract carefully.  You will likely have to share a percentage of your insurance settlement with the public adjuster as payment for his services.  In addition, once you have appointed the public adjuster as your representative, understand that you insurance company or its adjuster may no longer be permitted to communicate directly with you about your claim.  In most instances, the adjuster will receive your claim payment and you will have to wait until he delivers your payments.  The adjuster’s contract may require that he be made a “loss payee” on any settlement checks from the insurance company in order to secure his fee.

Check the public adjuster’s references and credentials and call the Department of Insurance to determine if the adjuster is licensed, (602) 364-2499 or (800) 325-2548 (In Arizona but outside the Phoenix area)
(602) 364-2977 (Spanish) (602) 364-2505 (Fax).  Or check their website at http://www.id.state.az.us to look up information about licensed adjusters.