When your roof is damaged, it is natural to have concerns about out-of-pocket expenses.
While looking for solutions to this problem, you might come across some interesting deals that seem too good to be true. And as the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true — it probably is.
Unfortunately, some roofing companies may attempt to win your business by giving you a false impression that they can cover your insurance deductible. Even though this sounds quite generous, this practice is illegal.
With 38 years of experience, we have become well aware of the unethical practices that some of our customers fell prey to before they called us at Linta Roofing.
We are committed to offering you genuine advice that will help you safeguard your home from dishonest dealings. This article will examine why it is illegal for your roofing contractor to cover your deductible, what such an offer might disclose about the company, and the possible negative outcomes for you as a customer.
Legal Consequences of Covering an Insurance Deductible
In short, when a roofing company claims to cover or “eat” your deductible, they are committing insurance fraud. This claim could be a sign that this may not be the best contractor for your roofing project.
A roofing company that says they will cover your deductible isn’t paying the deductible on your behalf, even if it is phrased this way to you.
In reality, this process involves adjusting the cost of line items provided to your insurance company. The aim is to create the impression that your roofing project will cost more than what the roofing company intends to charge you. The way they accomplish this is by sending 2 invoices: a falsified invoice for a larger total amount to your insurance company and another invoice with the actual cost to you.
Consider the following scenario:
Suppose your deductible amount is $2,000. In this case, the roofing company might submit an invoice of $15,000 to your insurance provider. However, the invoice sent directly to you will be for $13,000. This approach allows them to absorb your deductible illegally under the guise of a kind favor.
Sadly, this is only one of many deceptive tactics roofing companies will use to cover your insurance deductible.
The bottom line is that it is illegal to make false claims to an insurance company.
A reputable roofing company will not claim to cover your deductible because this practice could have negative legal implications for a business owner.
A business owner not only risks losing their company but may also encounter fines and/or imprisonment. While this practice might yield short-term gains, the financial details often become unclear, leading to business failure—sometimes before legal consequences arise.
It can be difficult enough to compare roofing contractors without the added concern that your roofer is involved in unscrupulous dealings. Not only should this raise concern for them as a business owner, but it may also speak volumes about the quality of the work they deliver you.
What Does “Eating” a Deductible Say About A Roofing Company?
Although the cost may play a role for you in choosing a roofing contractor, trust is equally as important in making your decision. While it may seem like a roofing contractor is covering your deductible to be helpful, it can also be a sign that they may not be trustworthy.
If a roofer is willing to commit a felony for business, it does not say much about their professionalism in general.
Some roofing companies may seek ways to maximize profits, which can involve covering your deductible and making shortcuts during your roofing project. Whether your roofing contractor uses lower-quality products or sends false information to your insurance company, they will make up the cost difference somehow.
This matters because it could leave you with a less-than-desirable final product, a final product that could cause you costly issues in the future. After all, one of the most common complaints about roofing contractors is poor workmanship.
This raises the question: What happens if the roofing company that installed your roof incorrectly goes out of business? What if you have workmanship issues on your roof that were supposed to be covered by their warranty?
How Covering Deductibles Can Result in Voided Warranties
Roofing contractors and material manufacturers usually give warranties to protect you from installation or manufacturing issues. Warranties can be voided if the installation does not comply with industry standards set by manufacturers.
This can create unnecessary financial challenges for you in the future. If issues arise with your roof within the warranty period and your roofer cannot honor their warranty, the expense could be quite costly for you as the homeowner. If a roofing company is eating deductibles, they may be out of business sooner than expected if their practices are brought to light. This could leave you with a roof – but no warranty.
To evade any issues with your warranties and save money long-term, it is a good rule of thumb to avoid roofing contractors who claim they will cover the cost of your deductible.
Spot Deceptive Roofing Practices for a Hassle-Free Experience
When in the market for a roof replacement, you may find yourself sifting through, comparing, and contrasting a lot of contractors and estimates. It can be difficult to narrow down the right roofing contractor that will offer you a fair price.
At the end of the day, your deductible amount will be a small fraction of the cost you would pay for a new roof without insurance. Opting for a roofing company that claims to eat your deductible could cost you much more than your deductible amount in the long run.
Now that you know to be vigilant against promises of a “free roof” or deals claiming to pay your deductible you can protect yourself against possible risks. Considering that you may have already filed an insurance claim, you’re probably wondering what the average cost of your roof is.
It is essential to select roofing contractors carefully. Opting for a company that is recognized for their transparency, honesty, and adherence to legal and industry standards is a wise choice for a more favorable outcome.
By avoiding contractors who claim to cover deductibles, you can be safe from involvement with potential legal and financial issues in the future.
