On this week’s addition of “Hitting the nail on the head”, I want to discuss the topic of insurance estimates, and do you really need to get 3 estimates from local roofing contractors? The answer is…. NO! You absolutely 100 percent do not need to get 3 estimates and here is why; “the price is determined by your insurance and not by your contractor”. That’s right! Remember the olden days when Insurance companies had you call up 3 contractors? Well, those days are over. Today the price is determined by a program called “Xactimate”. This software determines the market value of every item on your roof based on the zip code. 90% of all Insurance Companies use this program today and guess who also uses it? You guessed it, Contractors! Here at Near Me Roofing & Contracting we use this software program on every single claim. We do this to make sure all items are being paid correctly by your insurance provider. But unfortunately, we receive calls almost daily wanting to get an estimate when an approved claim is in hand. This is due to lack of explanation from the insurance provider on how insurance claims are paid out. Homeowners and business owners do this because they honestly believe they must, and no one has told them any different. And generally, I’ve found they are searching for pricing due to one thing, “their deductible”. Oh yes, the thought is; if I can get it done cheaper than this will save on my deductible. Unfortunately, contractors have nothing to do with deductibles, this is a contractual agreement between you and your insurance provider. And the truth is there is no way around it legally. In order to save a deductible a contractor must commit insurance fraud. That’s scary! Here is an example of this: the state of Texas passed the new deductible law in 2019. It’s called “HB2102”.
What Does the HB2102 Texas Deductibles Law Mean for Roofers?
Put in basic terms, the deductibles law:
- Applies whether you are promising to waive the deductible or if you are actually waving.
- Prohibits paying, waving, absorbing, or in any way declining to charge or collect the deductible.
- Prohibits rebates or credits that will offset all or part of the deductible.
- Prohibits in any manner assisting the insured in avoiding payment of their deductible.
Yikes, I would bet most homeowners and business owners have no idea about this law. As roofing contractors its our job to educate the consumer and be sure all work is being completed above board and within all state laws. Under the new law, violators could get up to a $2,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Now that’s not worth saving a little money. The good news is there are many ways to cover this expense from credit cards, financing and there’s also a program called “finance my deductible”. We recommend setting your deductible amount aside in a savings account to cover an unexpected claim or loss to your home or business. Make sure you’re educating yourself as the consumer and make sure to choose a reputable contractor to complete your roof replacement. In order to get a final check from your insurance provider the contractor must submit a completed invoice or a “certificate of completion” stating that all work was completed by the contractor per the estimate provided by the insurance company. If we can help you with an insurance claim, please give us a call at 903-949-3477 or visit our website at www.nearmeroof.com and fill out the contact form. I hope this information was helpful and educational.
Thank you
Chad Bates
Near Me Roofing & Contracting