By James Shiffer
An insurance rep in Hennepin County sent along these thoughts advising storm-affected homeowners to think before they sign:
I just wanted to make a note to your story about contractors and unscrupulous practices. Do not sign away your rights, people! We just received another call today from a victim standing in his yard dealing with all of the storm damage and debris field and calling because a contractor "working in the neighborhood" wanted him to sign a "letter of representation" regarding his potential damages to his home. This practice gives "carte blanche" authority to someone you barely know or have never met, to deal with damages to your most prized possession, your home.
Take a moment and a deep breath. Is this really the time to give away your rights when you're under duress and your adrenaline is at the highest? Take a moment and think what the ramifications could be first. If you need immediate help, get some and deal with the little things when cooler heads prevail, but don't sign away your rights before checking these people out first!
