Hurricane Isaias Aftermath: Power Outages, Scams, and Insurance Losses

Power Outages Persist Despite a Week Since Isaias

A week after Tropical Storm Isaias swept through more than 12 eastern states, thousands of residents along the East Coast are still grappling with power outages. The storm, which made landfall in North Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane, caused widespread damage due to flooding, downed trees, and tornadoes. Preliminary insured loss estimates range from over $1 billion to $4 billion, with damage still being tallied.

Post-Disaster Scams: Beware of Fraudulent Contractors and Flooded Vehicles

As with every disaster, Isaias has given rise to criminal activities. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) warns of crooks posing as contractors who may pressure homeowners into paying their insurance claim upfront, only to disappear without completing the work. To avoid such scams, NICB advises getting multiple estimates and having everything in writing. Additionally, flooded vehicles are another post-disaster scam. Dishonest dealers can buy these vehicles, clean them up, and sell them to unsuspecting buyers. NICB recommends checking for water stains and mildew, and using their free tool, VINCheck, to check for red flags such as theft, accident damage, or salvage titles.

2020 Hurricane Season: An Extremely Active Year

Isaias was the fifth named storm of the 'extremely active' 2020 hurricane season. This season has seen a higher-than-average number of named storms, with several causing significant damage. For comparison, the average number of named storms in a season is around 12, while 2020 saw 30 named storms. This underscores the importance of being prepared for hurricane season, including having adequate insurance coverage and being aware of potential scams.

In conclusion, while dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane like Isaias, it's crucial to stay vigilant against scams and ensure you have the right insurance coverage. Always get multiple estimates for repairs, check for signs of flood damage in vehicles, and use tools like NICB's VINCheck to protect yourself from fraud.