Contractor Fraud Prevention
At Heritage, we’re committed to helping you protect you and your home. That includes providing you with tools and information you can use to avoid some common pitfalls when contracting for repairs after a disaster.
Contractor fraud is on the rise. Most of the time, homeowners don’t realize they have fallen victim to a contractor scam until it’s too late.
We’re here to help educate you on how to spot fraud and protect yourself from becoming a victim.
What does a fraudulent contractor look like?
• The contractor comes to your home unsolicited and offers you payment or a gift card to inspect your home for free.
• The contractor promises services at no charge to you or offers to waive your insurance deductible.
• The contractor pressures you to file an insurance claim or sign an Assignment of Benefits (see below).
• The contractor does not allow you to review the contract or agreement and/or does not provide a copy of the contract or agreement.
How to know if you are working with a licensed, legitimate contractor?
• Obtain at least three detailed written estimates from potential contractors.
• Check contractor credentials. Ask for references and proof of construction licenses and insurance.
• Work closely with us. If you are considering filing a homeowners claim, contact Heritage first at 1-855-620-9978. We will help you navigate the claims process.
Florida homeowners are at an increased risk for becoming a victim of fraud.
Due to the prevalence of contractor fraud in Florida, it is especially important to know if your contractor has an active, valid Florida license. You can check on a Florida contractor’s license status HERE.
Recent Florida legislation now prohibits written or electronic advertisements that encourage a consumer to contact a contractor or public adjuster to file a property insurance claim for roof damage, unless such
solicitation provides notice that:
• The consumer is responsible for the payment of any deductible.
• It is insurance fraud, punishable as a third-degree felony, for a
contractor to pay or waive an insurance deductible.
• It is insurance fraud, punishable as a third-degree felony, to
intentionally file an insurance claim containing false, fraudulent,
or misleading information.
What is Assignment of Benefits?
An assignment of benefits (AOB) is a contract between you and a third party – typically a contractor, roofer or water mitigation company – giving them the right to deal directly with Heritage and receive payment for your claim. When you sign an AOB, you give up your right to manage your claim and ensure it is resolved to your complete satisfaction.
In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed common sense reforms aimed at bringing balance to the AOB process. As a result of these reforms, AOB vendors must adhere to certain legal requirements to receive payment for your claim. In addition, policyholders have been given the right to cancel an assignment agreement under certain circumstances and take back control of their claim.
Policyholders, vendors and legal representatives can submit AOB-related documents electronically or by mail.
To submit electronically, email to
AssignmentofBenefits@Heritagepci.com
To submit by regular mail or via overnight mail send to:
Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance
Attn. AOB Department
1401 N. Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
Please visit this page from the Florida Division of Consumer Services to learn more about (AOB) Assignment of Benefits.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more tips on how to spot contractor fraud, please click HERE.
