Hail damage from last week's severe weather is impacting several central Illinois residents and a local insurance agent is warning against contractors from outside the area looking to take advantage of residents looking to make quick work of home repairs.

Jay Peterson owns the Peterson Insurance agency in Clinton and says homeowners likely have had contractors stop by their homes in recent days looking to make deals to take on home repairs. He warns against doing that with contractors you are unfamiliar with.

Peterson says not all contractors operate this way. He encourages a conversation with your insurance agent on who would be covered under your policy and to make sure you bring in someone local and reputable.

Residents have likely received plenty of flyers in door handles and mailboxes promoting the work of various contractors in the area. Peterson encourages talking with your insurance agent and their staff before entering into any contracts.