Wednesday, October 4, 2023
OCABR Flash Flooding Impacted Areas Resources for Constituents
On behalf of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), see below communication:
Resources for Constituents Given the Recent Storms and Catastrophic Flash Flooding that have Impacted Areas Throughout the Commonwealth.
The mission of OCABR is to protect and empower consumers through education and advocacy. Our office oversees the state’s Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) program as well as several consumer
divisions, including the Division of Insurance.
It’s our hope that your constituents will not find themselves in situations where they will need to access these resources; however, OCABR would like to ensure that your offices are aware of them in case they do. Links below to some of our resources that may help and inform constituents should they need to navigate insurance claims and property repairs following a severe flood or storm.
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Division of Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions Following a Disaster: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-following-a-disaster
Guide to Disaster and Emergency Insurance Preparations: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guide-to-disaster-and-emergency-insurance-preparations
Is My Flood Damage Covered? https://www.mass.gov/info-details/is-my-flood-damage-covered
Division of Insurance Hotline: (617) 521-7794, (8:45am – 5:00pm)
Home Repairs & Contractors
For most home repairs, contractors are required to be registered Home Improvement Contractors. It’s critical that homeowners look up a contractor’s registration and any complaints filed against
their license before hiring them. In the event something goes wrong, and the homeowner needs to seek relief from the State’s Guaranty Fund, HIC registration is required.
Homeowner's guide to hiring a home improvement contractor: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-a-home-improvement-contractor
Check a contractor's registration: HIC Registration
Lookup https://services.oca.state.ma.us/hic/licenseelist.aspx
OCABR Hotline: (617) 973-8787 (9:00am - 4:30pm)
Auto Repairs
Recognizing that some vehicles may become submerged during a flash flooding emergency and constituents may need to seek repairs, the following is a link to help them select a reliable repair shop and understand their rights:
Massachusetts Consumer Guide – Mechanics of Auto Repair https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-consumer-guide-mechanics-of-auto-repair
