FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Flooding can leave behind more than damaged homes and businesses—it can also create opportunities for scammers and dishonest contractors to take advantage of those trying to recover. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky encourages consumers to take their time, understand their insurance coverage, and research businesses before hiring anyone for cleanup or repairs.
“After a flood, it’s natural to want to restore your home, vehicle, or business as quickly as possible,” said Robyn Householder, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky. “Unfortunately, disasters often attract scammers who pressure people to make quick decisions. Taking a few extra steps to verify a contractor, restoration company, or auto repair shop can help protect you from additional financial loss.”
BBB recommends the following tips for anyone dealing with flood damage:
- Contact your insurance provider first. Review your policy and begin the claims process before making permanent repairs. Document all damage with photos and videos.
- Watch out for storm chasers. Be cautious of contractors who go door-to-door, demand large upfront payments, or pressure you to sign contracts immediately.
- Research businesses before hiring. Check out a company’s BBB Business Profile, customer reviews, complaint history, and licensing information whenever possible.
- Get multiple written estimates. Comparing bids can help you avoid inflated prices and identify unrealistic promises.
- Avoid paying full upfront. Use a credit card when possible and pay according to the progress of the work.
- Take precautions during cleanup. Standing water and mold can pose serious health risks. If the damage is extensive, work with a qualified water damage restoration professional.
- Be cautious with flood-damaged vehicles. If your vehicle has been submerged or exposed to floodwaters, do not attempt to start it until it has been inspected by a qualified mechanic. Water can damage the engine, electrical systems, brakes, and safety features. Contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage and whether the vehicle should be repaired or declared a total loss.
- Avoid buying flood-damaged vehicles. After major flooding, some damaged vehicles are cleaned up and resold without disclosing their history. Before purchasing a used vehicle, obtain a vehicle history report, have it inspected by an independent mechanic, and look for warning signs such as musty odors, water stains, rust in unusual places, or electrical issues.
Consumers should also be aware that standard homeowners’ insurance policies often do not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and ask questions before filing a claim.
BBB has created a comprehensive flood recovery resource center with guidance on flood insurance, cleanup, flood-damaged vehicles, hiring trustworthy contractors, avoiding scams, and recovering after a natural disaster.
Learn more by visiting the BBB Flood Recovery Resource Center: https://www.bbb.org/all/natural-disasters/flood.
If you encounter a scam or misleading business practice following a flood, report it to BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others.
About Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky
Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky is dedicated to fostering an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. Through business accreditation, consumer education, scam prevention, and dispute resolution, BBB helps people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust while empowering businesses to build and maintain trust with their customers.
