Officials from the California Department of Insurance and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recently visited the Wrightwood Community Services District (CSD) to provide information about avoiding fraud when dealing with insurance claims and contractors after a disaster.
Detective Mark Hitter from the California Department of Insurance’s Enforcement Branch Fraud Division and Matthew Anaya, a special investigator from the CSLB, met with Wrightwood CSD General Manager Tamie Keen and staff. The meeting focused on sharing critical advice and distributing information packets to help the community handle insurance claims and avoid scams.
Hitter emphasized that after a loss, it’s crucial to contact your insurance company to report the incident, follow the company’s instructions, and document damage with photographs. Settling claims directly with your insurance company is advised before considering a public adjuster or attorney, as insurance companies provide adjusters at no cost. If you hire a public adjuster, ensure they are licensed, as they often charge a percentage of your claim. Hitter also advised against making repairs or discarding damaged property before an insurance inspection.
Anaya spoke to CSD staff about identifying contractor scams. He stressed verifying contractor licenses through the CSLB, checking references, and avoiding pressure to sign contracts quickly. Interviewing multiple contractors and ensuring written agreements are essential. California law limits down payments for home improvement projects to $1,000 or 10% of the total contract price. Anaya also stressed checking contractor insurance coverage.
After the meeting, Hitter and his team went door to door distributing information and speaking with residents. Information packets from the California Department of Insurance are available at the Wrightwood CSD office.
For more information, contact the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or visit www.insurance.ca.gov. Contractor information is available from the Contractors State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov. Detective Mark Hitter can be reached at 909-919-2200, and Investigator Matthew Anaya at 562-754-7108.
