Criminal Background Checks Can Help Safeguard Homeowners from Dishonest Contractors

WARREN, NJ. - In today’s economic environment, it is more important than ever for homeowners to protect their homes, families and valuables from dishonest contractors and subcontractors.

Many agree that the risks of hiring contractors are real. Forty percent of Americans are very concerned about the trustworthiness of household contractors, according to a nationwide survey of 1,000 people sponsored by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies.

Through security-consulting firm Risk Control Strategies, Chubb is now offering background investigations on general contractors and subcontractors hired by its high-net-worth customers to complete work on or around the home. Background investigations are now offered at a discounted rate for Signature and Signature VIP customers. The security firm, which recently renewed a multi-year contract with Chubb, has provided other security services and background checks to Chubb customers since 2005.

“From our experience, more than 80% of crimes perpetrated against the affluent are committed by people in their inner loop, and about 35% of the contractors on whom we perform background checks have a criminal past,” said Douglas R. Kane, president of Risk Control Strategies.

“Even if background checks were conducted in prior years, they should be reexamined as emerging financial pressures may tempt some contractors or employees to steal,” said Maria Fernandes, client services manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. “Fortunately, Chubb customers have access to some unique expertise.”

Risk Control Strategies is available to consult on a variety of other security-related concerns, such as identity theft, home invasion, cyber attacks and cyber stalking, fraud and kidnap attempts through Chubb’s Signature Suite personal risk management services program. Signature Suite services also include personal staff management, personal security and travel-safety services, and collections-management tools.

The Chubb National Home Protection Survey was conducted by phone by Opinion Research Corp., a worldwide research and consulting firm in Princeton, NJ.

The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb’s global network includes branches and affiliates in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. Chubb is a worldwide leader in insuring fine homes, automobiles, yachts, antiques and other collectibles, and personal liability. Additional information on Chubb can be found at www.chubb.com/personal.