We have had several senior residents calling the police department to advise that company representatives have been approaching their homes with offers to replace siding or roofs due to hail damage.
There may be legitimate companies soliciting; Elgin did recently experience hail and that prompts the insurance companies to become more likely to approve repairs. With those legitimate companies, there may be questionable companies, as well. Always get a second or third estimate.
Never leave your residence open and unsecured when you are requested to walk around the house to survey damage. This prevents a second person from making entry through open doors and garages.
Always make sure the company has a door-to-door solicitors permit provided by the city of Elgin. If they have a permit issued, they will have a picture ID and a permit to show you. Remember, just because they may have a permit, this does not mean they are endorsed by the city. It only means the individual at your door has had a background checked conducted - but the company has not.
IF the solicitor does not have a permit, call the police immediately at 847-289-2700 or dial 911. Just because you didn’t let them in, doesn’t mean your neighbor won’t. The Elgin Police Department is determined to stay on top of solicitors by being more aggressive with the identification of those soliciting door to door WITHOUT a permit!