The Other Contractor Said I Don't Have to Pay My Deductible
Last night, a huge storm dumped buckets of rain and hail on your roof, and now you are looking at the swiss cheese that remains. How very convenient that you've seen several roofing company trucks riding through your neighborhood talking to your neighbors, right? Here comes one pulling into your yard right now. The gentleman (well, it IS a guy, and he looks like he's been on a roof or two already, so he MUST be a good roofer, right?) tells you that it looks like you have storm damage, and he could replace your roof and waive the insurance deductible as well. Free roof! Sounds like a great idea, right? Oh honey, no. This is not good.
There are several problems with this scenario:
First, whenever a huge storm comes through, a bunch of ne'er-do-wells tend to slap a magnetic sign on their truck and ride around looking for work. It's really hard to distinguish these guys from the fine, upstanding types, so you have to know what to look for. Here are some questions you should ask:
How long have they been in business?
Are they a local company?
What kind of warranty do they offer?
Can you see some of their work and speak with happy customers?
Do they have a drug policy?
Do they provide workers compensation for their employees?
The answers to these questions should probably give you a clue as to whether this roofer is a trustworthy business or a crook. You don't want to be stuck with a bad roofing job and a disappearing contractor.
Second, offering to waive or refund your deductible is ILLEGAL in most states. What? Yep, it's called insurance fraud. States like Georgia have passed new laws in recent years with the intention of protecting people from fraudulent shysters who might blow in with thunderstorms and blow out leaving people with less than adequate new roofs. If your insurance company finds out that you conspired with an insurance fraudster, you may have your policy canceled, or worse -- you may not get to see your new roof for the length of your prison sentence. That is so not worth a free $500 deductible is it?
Homemaster has been a locally owned establishment in Columbus, GA for over 30 years. We are a drug-free workplace that carries workers compensation coverage for its employees. We guarantee all of our work, and your satisfaction. Give us a call to restore your home today! (706) 562-8718
