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Extreme storms may be America's new norm, so homeowners must doubly protect against bogus repair work by shady contractors, warns the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. 

With climate change, there will be more intense and frequent storms coming, reveled by a new study.

The snow and rain storms are getting bigger, jeopardizing more property and lives across the U.S.

Most of the home contractors are honest, but with extreme weather it surely will attract more shady operators that charge homeowners thousands of dollars for bogus repair, the Coalition warns.

Homeowners should be aware of the costly repair scams, starting now. Rainstorms, hail, tornadoes and wildfires already causing a considerable amount of home damage this year.

Homeowners can be better ensured that the repairs are done right by knowing how to find an honest and reputable contractor.

Six Worst Scams

Disappearing down payment. The contractor demands for a larger down payment, and then disappears after doing little or no work.

Shoddy work. The work is low quality, using cheap materials. Causing you to even redo the entire job, and often at your own expense.

Phantom damage. A contractor invents storm damage. Nicking sidewall or roof shingles with a screwdriver to mimic hail damage is one come-on.

Worsens damage. Contractors enlarge holes in a roof to increase their billings. Billing for phantom work is another ruse.

Pay your deductible. Offering to pay your insurance deductible is a con to lure your business.

Insurer go-between. The contractor elbows in as the go-between your insurer. You lose control over your valuable claim.

Six Ways to Fight back

Avoid door-to-door drifters. Stick with reputable contractors based locally or in your region.

Verify license. Contact you state and local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor is licensed.

Contact local Better Business Bureau. See if the contractor has a history of complaints, and a BBB review.

Work with your insurance company & agent. Don't let the contractor do the talking. Work directly with your insurer and agent to ensure the repairs are done right and covered damages are paid.

Insist on a contract. Have a signed contract specifying exactly what work will be done, plus the price and repair schedule.

Watch for red flags. No business cards or referrals...P.O. Box instead of a street address...van looks rundown and has no company name...poor personal appearance...can't show proof of workers compensation insurance or surety/performance bond.

Take every measure and do your research before hiring a contractor. Be smart and wise with the decision you make, before it cost you both money and time.

BY GAYATHIRI THEVARAJAH / POSTED OCTOBER 1, 2012