It’s a property owner’s nightmare: either due to severe weather or simple time and neglect, their roof needs to be replaced ASAP before it falls down around their head. If this is someone’s first time dealing with insurance claims and roofing contractor bids, the whole process could seem a bit overwhelming. I’ve personally seen many cases where the homeowner wasn’t sure whose price estimate to trust or what to do next when they needed a new roof. Fortunately, I was able to reassure and guide them, and I hope this advice can help others who are in the same boat.
Roofers and Adjusters
There are misconceptions out there about roofers and adjusters alike. Some people don’t trust anyone related to the insurance industry because they believe the adjuster will try and minimize the damage on their report in an effort to lowball the repair costs and save money for their company. This is simply not true. Adjusters who take part in 2021 Training’s online curriculum learn about the ethics of our profession and know the importance of honesty and integrity when dealing with people’s homes and money. It’s not in an adjuster’s best interest to develop a reputation for shady practices.
Roofing contractors are much the same. I would say the vast majority are honest people who truly want to do a good job and help get people’s roofs repaired in a timely manner. But there are always some scammers out there, especially after severe storms that leave big areas of damage behind. That’s why it’s important to learn to recognize what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to roofing contractors. To help readers discern the good from the bad, I’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions I get from clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should a roofer be present during the claims adjuster’s visit?
A: That depends. If you live in an area that has been hit hard by severe weather, you might experience a delay before an adjuster can get to your home. To minimize your wait time, you can have a trusted roofing contractor present during the visit to make sure no damage is missed and the price estimate is accurate. This would save you from having to wait for a second visit from the contractor and a possible back-and-forth over the cost. For time-sensitive repairs, yes, it’s a good idea.
Q: Should a roofer ask to see an adjuster’s report?
A: An honest roofer might ask to see the technical part of the report to make sure the adjuster noted all the problems that need to be fixed. An unethical roofer might want to know the adjuster’s price estimate so they can place their bid at or just above it. It’s illegal in some states to show the roofer the cost estimate, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Q: What if the roofer’s estimate and the adjuster’s estimate aren’t the same?
A: One reason why estimates might differ is because insurance adjusters might find damage that wasn’t caused by the weather event, like collapsed limbs from a tree that should have been cut back prior to the storm. Roofers might try to include pre-existing damage in their estimates to get the insurance company to pay for it. If the discrepancy in cost is too much, consider hiring a public adjuster to create a non-biased estimate.
Q: Can a roofer waive an insurance deductible?
A: Absolutely not, and any roofer who does so is committing insurance fraud. Your deductible is the portion of your roof repairs you’re obligated to pay according to your insurance policy. This agreement is between you and your insurer. It has nothing to do with your roofing contractor, and they have no right or authority to alter it. In fact, if you hire a roofer who waives a deductible, you can be prosecuted for insurance fraud as well.
2021 Training: We Produce Adjusters You Can Trust
Getting your roof inspected, repaired, and paid for is a lot to deal with and requires cooperation from all parties involved. 2021 Training is the best source for online insurance adjuster training in Texas and all across the nation! Our students come away licensed, well-educated, and with a good moral compass that will guide them through their profession. If you’re interested in a career in claims adjusting, go online and register with us today!
