Northeast Florida:
Southwest Florida:
Buyer Beware - Working With a CONtractor?
WAIVING INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES FOR ROOFING CLAIMS IN FLORIDA
The details of this scenario can be found in our blog. Essentially, we want every consumer to understand that it is illegal for a roofing contractor in Florida to waive insurance deductibles. Period. If a contractor offers to waive a deductible or promises a pre-referral rebate, or something else that sounds “creative” so you will do business with them, DON’T. You can also be held to civil penalties and criminal prosecution for an array of felonies such as insurance fraud! It’s just not worth it. SEC has plenty of programs, including 0% interest financing to help you. In addition, if you find yourself in this situation please call the Florida Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at
1-8---435-7352
FLORIDA CRACKING DOWN ON FRAUDULENT CONTRACTORS AND HOMEOWNDERS
FSS 817.234 (7)(d) False and fraudulent insurance claims.— A contractor, or a person acting on behalf of a contractor, may not knowingly or willfully and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive, pay, waive, or rebate all or part of an insurance deductible applicable to payment to the contractor, or a person acting on behalf of a contractor, for repairs to property covered by a property insurance policy. A person who violates this paragraph commits a third degree felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
KNOCK KNOCK: CAN I SELL YOU A ROOF, OH AND A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION TODAY?
To our dismay, so many Floridians answer their door to unscrupulous roofing contractors saying they can see hail or wind damage from the street and promising a “free” roof, or maybe a new roof whereas the fraudulent contractor will “absorb, waive, or overlook” with future referrals by the customer. And they actually sign a contract without even verifying anything about that company. Did you buy a magazine subscription at the same time? That’s what we always ask customers when they find themselves in trouble and needing our professional help, not kidding. It’s astonishing how many homeowners fall for the scams and then call us when that contractor filed multiple claims or is nowhere to be found when the insurance carrier denies the claim and they now see you don’t have damage, but in fact a roof they no longer want to cover and demand YOU replace it or be dropped. Every time we ask a homeowner why they went with that company they say “they promised a roof for free or to pay my deductible for me.”
Let’s be honest, the old saying “if it’s too good to be true it probably is” is very true in this industry. Fraudulent roofers will cut corners by using low quality products and/or inflate the costs sent to your insurance company to pay for the difference. This practice always means fake contracts, shoddy repairs, and worse headaches for homeowners than the ones the storm caused.
In addition, consumers will fail to pay their deductibles and unknowingly commit insurance fraud, so when the carrier comes knocking in the future to verify it was paid and the contractor is nowhere to be found guess who gets prosecuted, YOU. This scam not only harms policyholders, and is what causes all of our rates to go up each year, but also hurts honest roofing companies that can’t, and won’t compete with an offer of free roofing services. While this dishonest practice has been illegal in Florida for decades, the thought of saving money always entices homeowner to make bad decisions they will suffer from for years if not decades. So at least get a subscription to accompany the new “free” roof.
THINGS A PROFESSIONAL AND TRUSTWORTHY CONTRACTOR WILL NEVER PROMISE:
- To pay your deductible for you
- All work will be completely free
- Deductible payment assistance
- To only put their name on the checks, not both of yours
- To collect all checks prior to any work starting
TIPS TO AVOID FRAUD & FELONIES:
- After the carrier has provided a scope of work, never allow a contractor to start the project without showing you with their own scope what is required and why.
- Ask for multiple references or at minimum do your research to see if they are reputable and how many previous roofing companies the owner has had.
- If the company is operating under a fictitious name and the company you are sighing the contract with is the actual company, not a sub-company.
- Refuse to make final payment until the work is complete, you have passed all inspections, and you are provided a Certificate of Completion
- Reject door-to-door solicitations
- If you experience this type of situation we encourage you to get on social media, your community page, and call your local law enforcement agency to make them aware illegal solicitation is occurring in your community.
STORM CHASERS: HOMEOWNERS BEWARE
After a storm, roofing scam artists come out in full force, promising deals that no legitimate roofing contractor could honestly survive on. These non-local, new to the area, just coming to help victims of the tragedy “storm chasers” take advantage of homeowners’ vulnerability following a weather disaster. If they are from out of town, this should be an immediate red flag. If they don’t have a website, run. It’s always best that you come to the roofing contractor instead of them coming to you.
A reputable roofing company like SEC Roofing & Construction doesn’t need door-to-door soliciting to hustle for business. An honest company will have plenty of prospects contacting them after a storm, and year around in general, based on word-of-mouth referrals. And a well-established company will always have room for more. However, even if you are the one to initiate the process of filing a claim and working with a roofing contractor, if there is any talk of waiving an insurance deductible, end the process there.
It’s always best to go with a local roofing contractor. They will know about any building codes that you and your insurance company need to be aware of to ensure you’re in full compliance. Plus, any legitimate contractor knows that waiving a deductible is illegal, and now you do too. No matter how a so-called roofing contractor tries to sugarcoat the offer, you’ll be well-prepared to politely decline their services before promptly reporting the incident.
WHEN WE INSTALL A ROOF WE STAND BEHIND OUR WORK
Customer satisfaction is our number one priority at Sec Roofing. Being a locally owned and operated roofing business, we are dedicated to quality craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. Our integrity and thoroughness will make your roofing experience a rewarding one. Whether you are looking for a small repair or a large overhaul, you will benefit from our personalized attention throughout your project. We stand by our work by offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our services.
