BY BRIAN MAASS
Suzie B. Boyd has been in the roofing business for 43 years. She said that during CBS News Colorado’s investigation, she never saw anything as shocking.
CBS News Colorado was able to obtain a two-and-ahalf-minute surveillance video of the salesman. Boyd stated that this behavior, although disgusting and disturbing, did not represent most of those in his industry.
David Kuntz was the salesman from Timberland Exteriors of Colorado at that time. He had been ostensibly inspecting a house in Parker’s Newlin Meadows subdivision for any hail damage. According to the homeowner, Kuntz advised that hail damage would require a roof replacement. He also told his family to make an insurance claim so “he could cover everything.”
Kuntz was unaware that the surveillance cameras were rolling when he checked out the garage of his home. The man appears to use some kind of tool repeatedly to dent the garage.
Boyd is a roofing expert with 43 years of experience. She works at Academy Roofing as well as being the past president for the Colorado Roofing Association.
Boyd stated that it was “disappointing” to hear the stories.
The compensation he receives is determined by the sales and claim size. The compensation will be higher if the claim size is greater.
In an interview conducted by CBS News Colorado on camera, Kuntz said that “what was captured on the screen didn’t look like it should.”
“It’s a poor representation.” “It’s just a bad week,” he explained.
He stated that he was pushing in with his thumb on the garage to “feel for the hail dent, to check if the door is insulated.” “I am not doing damage in order to assist them (homeowners).”
Asking if he used any tool, Kuntz replied that he only used his thumb.
But Kuntz was seen using an object to force the garage doors in at several points in the video.
Boyd stated that “behavior such as his is so detrimental to our efforts.” Right now, there are certainly bad actors.
They said that after watching the video and seeing what Kuntz did, they have decided not to file a claim with their insurance company.
Insurance industry estimates that hailstorms caused $5 billion worth of damage to Colorado over the last decade. According to one estimate, hail-related claims have increased by 34% in the last three years.
Boyd says she doesn’t think the practice captured on video is common, although she has heard about it but not seen it.
Boyd stated that “he’s exaggerating the claim.”
National Insurance Crime Bureau gives tips on how to prevent contractor fraud.
Any contractor that rushes you is a bad one, particularly if it’s for non-emergency work or temporary fixes. Shop around by asking for referrals from your neighbors and friends. You should not trust anyone who comes to your door asking for repairs.
Never pay upfront. Be sure to inspect and approve the completed work before paying. You will be asked to pay a down payment by most contractors, but do not make any payments until you receive a contract.
Comparing bids is a good way to compare three estimates. You can check the Better Business Bureau, or the attorney general of your state to find out whether the firm is a complaint-free.
A written contract should clearly state what the contractor is going to do. Included in this are labor and material prices, cleanup procedures, estimated dates of start and completion, as well as any estimates. Do not sign contracts with blanks, as a dishonest contractor could alter the contract after getting your signature.
Never believe an individual contractor or loan company who claims that they have the support of the government. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) does NOT endorse any contractors or lending companies. Call FEMA’s toll free number 800.621.FEMA if you want more information.
Use a card, check or credit instead. You can keep a track of all payments made to your contractor.
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