Verify contractors’ insurance, DA warns

With the high number of contractors coming into Terrebonne Parish following hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney’s Office is telling residents to question contractors seeking to repair hurricane-damaged homes.

Around 200 new contractors have come into the parish to repair homes and businesses since the hurricanes, according to the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney’s Office.

In response to the influx, Parish President Michel Claudet signed an executive order requiring contractors to show proof of general liability insurance when applying for an occupational license to work in Terrebonne Parish.

Residents are encouraged to verify the validity of contractors’ general liability insurance policies. They can also call the insurance company listed on the certificate of insurance to make sure the contractor is insured to do the type of work required on the home or business.

The Terrebonne Parish Occupational License Department (876-3734) can tell residents whether the contractor has a parish license.

Terrebonne Parish has temporarily eliminated the charge for building permits because of the hurricanes.

Last week, the D.A.’s Office announced that Justin Crooke with JC Enterprise was arrested on Oct. 29 for allegedly providing a forged certificate of insurance when he applied for an occupational license in Terrebonne on Oct. 20.

Crooke’s bond was set at $200,000 by state District Judge Johnny Walker.

In the meantime, homeowners and businesses are urged to:

• Be wary of contractors who ask for money before completing the repair work.

• Request to see a parish occupational license.

• Do not allow contractors to pressure you.

• If you use a contractor you are not familiar with, get a written estimate and ask if a fee is charged for an estimate; get a written contract and a warranty, and ensure the work is completed satisfactorily before signing completion papers.

Citizens who believe fraud is taking place are urged to call Captain Carey Bergeron with the sheriff’s office at (985) 876-2500 or the district attorney at (985) 873-6500.