At Frisco Insurance, we pride ourselves on continually giving our customers useful information that protects their home. In this case, we’d like to bring your attention to the increasing amount of scams in the area of roof repair – especially after a severe hailstorm. Let’s keep your home safe and sound by avoiding this latest pitfall.
Announcement From The Texas Department of Insurance
The helpful folks at the Texas Department of Insurance have brought our attention to a new state law effective September 1, 2019. The law states that it’s illegal for a contractor or roofer to waive an insurance deductible. This is for the protection of you – our customers – and others concerned with quality home insurance in Frisco.
Some of these disreputable “contractors” will offer to waive your deductible in order to entice you. The problem is that they might use inferior quality shingles or other materials to make up for this “rebate.” They also might heavily inflate the total cost to the insurance company. You don’t want to be involved in either of these illegal scenarios, so we have some great tips to prevent that from happening!
Home Insurance in Frisco: Tips for Avoiding Scams
It is an unfortunate fact of life that we must be vigilant against those who seek to do shoddy work or even break the law while doing so. Texas Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan warns, “Roofers who waive deductibles are cutting corners. Take your business elsewhere.” Furthermore, you may report such activity to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508.
Individuals or companies that engage in such activity could be fined $2,000 or sentenced to six months in jail. Here are the tips that can save you a whole lot of trouble in the arena of Frisco home insurance:
- Beware of door-to-door solicitors (especially after a storm).
- Roof damage? Get multiple bids to know the average cost.
- Make sure some references are local – and check them!
- Make final payment only after all work is complete.
- Don’t pay the full amount up front.
- Written estimates should be provided on company letterhead.
- Don’t sign contracts with blank spaces within it.
- Ask about a possible upgrade to Class 4 hail resistant shingles.
We, at Frisco Insurance, hope these tips protect you and your family from unnecessary trouble when it comes to roof repairs. We enjoy looking after our customers.
Contact Us Regarding Frisco Home Insurance
Two additional resources:
Short Blog: Preventing Fraud (from the Texas Department of Insurance)
Video: 4 Ways to Avoid Contractor Scams
Call Frisco Insurance at 214-705-3482 or email us at: [email protected].
