I recently had a roofing company come by to give me a free estimate for a roof replacement. They claimed to have found hail damage and suggested that I could file a claim through my homeowners insurance. They offered to help me navigate the insurance process and even said they'd cover my deductible if I let them place a sign in my yard for two weeks. The guy seemed really knowledgeable about the requirements of my HOA and boasted about a roofing system that lasts for 50 years at a price he usually charges. I can't shake the feeling that this all sounds too good to be true—am I just being cynical, or is there something fishy going on here?
3 Answers
One red flag is that it's illegal for a contractor to pay your deductible. If they're offering to do that, they might be trying to pull a fast one on you. Better to stick with a trusted local roofer instead of relying on a door-to-door salesperson. You have every right to be wary about this—protect yourself!
You're not alone in thinking this sounds like a big game. Roofing companies tend to play it hard, knowing they won't face the long-term consequences of raised premiums like homeowners do. Make sure to check the company's reputation before committing. If you've confirmed there’s hail damage, letting a reputable company handle it is the best bet rather than jumping into a sketchy deal.
Sounds like they might be gaming the insurance system. While you might get a "free" roof, you could end up paying for it later when your insurance rates increase or they refuse to renew your policy. The way it typically works is that you'd get a check from your insurance after an adjuster assesses the damage, then you should shop around for quotes from different roofing companies. It's important to be cautious with offers that seem too convenient.