If your roof was recently damaged, and you have homeowner’s insurance, you can be sure that you’re mostly covered for the damages. But then this is where some contractors might offer enticing deals where you can get your roof replaced for free and claim it’s perfectly legal to cover the deductible on insurance repairs. Some would even advertise “free roof” on yard signs and door hangers.
But if you think that such an offer is too good to be true, it actually is. Here’s why waiving the deductible isn’t legal:
It’s a Form of Insurance Fraud
Having a homeowner’s insurance policy means having a contract between the homeowner and the insurance company. Along with the responsibilities outlined for both parties should an unexpected event occur (such as procedures on filing a claim for hailstorm damage), there’s a part in the contract that explains how the insurance company is solely responsible for limits, exclusions and benefits while the homeowner has to be responsible for the deductible.
If you, the homeowner, don’t pay the deductible as specified, then it will be considered insurance fraud. This results in significant criminal penalties that can affect both parties.
Roofers Claiming to Pay the Deductible Aren’t Being Honest
Your insurance provider will automatically subtract the deductible from the claim payment. Professional roof contractors won’t even think about offering to cover your deductible. So, if some still claim they’ll cover it for you, then they’re not being completely honest about their work. It usually means they’ve given you an inflated estimate to cover the deductible, or they might even be cutting corners on materials and labor when repairing or replacing your roof.
If you’re looking for a good contractor for your roofing or window replacement, Lankford Roofing & Construction LLC is the best company to work with in the area. Call us today at (903) 465-7677 or (580) 920-1433. You can also fill out our convenient online form to get started! We serve customers in Texas, including Sherman, Denison and surrounding areas.