Lindeen aides offer help to storm victims

Aides to State Auditor Monica Lindeen, the state's insurance and securities commissioner, will be in Havre Tuesday and Wednesday to talk to people about concerns about damages caused by the July 4 hail and wind storm.

The sessions, "Hail help is on the way," will concentrate on insurance problems and difficulties people may have had with repair companies.

Lindeen's staff will be on hand to answer questions at two times:

• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Montana State University-Northern's Student Union Building ballroom.

• 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the SUB ballroom.

There will be one-on-one sessions in which people can talk directly to Lindeen's aides.

People should bring copies of their insurance policies, claims records and any other relevant information, Lindeen said.

Lindeen's office said the sessions will be on the entire range of issues that arose after the storm, which caused extensive damage.

Several out-of-area companies have set up offices in the area and have been touting their services to the public.

Lindeen had already urged people to be careful about who they hire to make repairs, urging them, among other things, to be wary of door-to-door salesmen, making sure they show proof they are licensed and carry insurance.

"We always see storm chasers after severe weather conditions," the commissioner said. "Homeowners need to know how to spot a potential scammer before hiring someone to do repairs."

Among other things, Lindeen advises people to be wary of contractors who have out-of-state license plates.

Several people have told the Havre Daily News that out-of-state contractors have set up local offices, gotten local phone numbers and registered vehicles in Montana to make it appear they are Havre-based operations.

She said people should shun contractors who offer to negotiate with insurance companies over the prices. That is not allowed in Montana.

People with questions can refer to the commissioner's website, http://csimt.gov/havre-hail-help/, or call her office, 800-332-6148.