Goose Gainey

My journey to State Farm began over ten years ago, after nearly 20 years in a retail business after the great recession of 2009 I found myself selling insurance for another company and thought if I am ever a business owner again, I want to serve customers in the insurance industry. So I began to research all the companies I could and learn who would be the top in the industry I could be a business owner for. After months of research, phone calls and attending opportunity events I found State Farm to be second to none in the insurance industry. State Farm serves is customers at the highest level and offers products that will allow them to protect what matters most as well as help them plan for retirement and realize their dreams. So after a long road I am blessed to be here in North Augusta serving my community as a State Farm Agency Owner. My team and I will work hard to earn and keep your business and I look forward to meeting you in person. Beside being a State Farm Owner I am also a husband of a wonderful wife I am a father to two great kids. Schedule an appointment today to meet with me Liston "Goose" Gainey, or my team and allow us to serve you for all your insurance and retirement needs. Call today for a quote on your home and auto or schedule a retirement review.

Attention State Farm Customers:

Ways to file a claim if you have been affected by Hurricane Helene:

1. You can file a claim using your State Farm mobile app.

2. You can file a claim at state farm .com

3. You can text "Claim" to 62789

URGENT ATTENTION:

We have heard of incidents where customers have been asked to pay $100 before State Farm would perform the inspection. This is not true as State Farm does NOT charge customers for claim inspections.

- If a charge is solicited, the customer should immediately advise their agent or representative and to be sure to share any information they are safely able to acquire (e.g., name, contact information, description, flyers, etc. of the person soliciting the amount).

- We encourage all our customers to work with a reputable contractor so that they receive the customer service they expect.

- We encourage:

o Getting multiple recommendations and all estimates in writing

o Consumers are also advised not to pay for work up front or sign a contract with any blank spaces

o Inspecting the work during and after.

What is a contractor scam?

Contractor firms or individuals might offer services that intentionally mislead a homeowner, like completing substandard repairs and overcharging for the service.

If you don't get a good feeling about the contractor, don't use them. Be watchful of the following tactics:

1. Unsolicited services — Beware of the pushy door-to-door sale tactics

A contractor stops by and gives you an unsolicited estimate for projects like driveway sealing, chimney rebuilds and roof repair, which are projects commonly pitched to homeowners.

2. Out-of-state contractors

Some contractors follow storms and other catastrophic events — looking to make quick buck. Be cautious of a contractor working out of a car or van that has no company logo or out-of-state plates, as they may be hard to contact if issues arise or work is not completed. Instead, consider going with a local contractor who has a strong track record.

3. Licenses, insurance, references

Most states have requirements a contractor must meet to be licensed. A contractor should provide a license or a license number from the state Contractors Board. That number could be inactive, so it is important to verify the license a contractor provides — if problems come up while a project is in progress, you could be held accountable.

A contractor should also be able to provide you with proof of insurance, if they don’t and you choose to hire them, you could be responsible for any injuries or damages that may occur. Always request to see if the contractor firm or individual has the proper insurance. Check with your agent or research the type of insurance a contractor should have.

Ask the contractor about their previous work or references. Do your own research — consider checking the Better Business Bureau or review what other customers have said about their work and business. If a contractor does not have references that you can check, consider another contractor.

4. No written contract

All the details of the work to be done should be written out in advance. This is a red flag when a contractor does not want to put your agreement in writing. Be sure you receive a contract that explains the work you want done and the terms you and the contractor have agreed upon. Be sure you have read the contract and it is signed by both you and the contractor before the work begins.

5. Full payment requested upfront

Think twice if the contractor requests payment in full upfront. In some cases, a contractor may require a partial payment to get started with the work. Payments should be made based on the schedule in the contract. Do not make final payments or sign a completion document before the work is finished.