Texas has seen its fair share of disasters, including record-setting flooding, major hurricanes, severe windstorms, and wildfires. When these catastrophes impact homes and businesses, there is often a major response from assistance groups, federal agencies, and contractors ready to help rebuild. Unfortunately, along with legitimate assistance groups come scammers and fraudulent organizations hoping to make money off of both victims and individuals and businesses wanting to help in some way.

No matter what you're in the market for, there's a good chance you'll have multiple options or several companies vying for your business. This is true whether you're buying a car, boat, home, clothing, or even a loaf of bread. Consumers have a bounty of choices, but the quality and value among them can vary greatly, especially in the world of personal and commercial insurance.

Although handy for home improvement projects and construction jobs, ladders are one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment found in homes and businesses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 43% of fatal falls in the home involve the use of ladders, while in the business world, ladder falls account for 20% of all falls on worksites, and over 80% of falls in the construction industry. Their instability, combined with frequent misuse, makes ladders a dangerous piece of equipment to use if not handled safely.

Cars need repairs and maintenance over time, and car owners have a variety of options for service providers. They can take their vehicles back to their dealership for maintenance and repairs, or take it to a licensed maintenance or repair shop. However, in an attempt to save money, some vehicle owners entrust their personal vehicles and even commercial vehicles to amateur or shade tree mechanic friends, individuals who repair vehicles as a hobby or side job and are in no way certified or professionally trained.