Beware of Door Knockers!
ASHLEY URBAN
Not all door knockers are Girl Scouts. NE Kansas has been hit hard lately by roofing companies that are going door-to-door. Don’t get us wrong, there are many reputable roofing companies in our area, and your roof may have damage you’re unaware of that actually needs to be taken care of. It’s the approach and tactics used by these specific companies that have honest roofers and the insurance industry on edge.
So, how do you identify a potential scam? And what do you need to be aware of?
They knock on your door and offer a free roof inspection. While this sounds great, this allows scammers to go onto your roof, cause damage on purpose, circle the newly created damage with chalk, and take a picture of it- all to convince you to file an insurance claim. Most roofing companies will inspect your roof for free if you suspect damage. However, a roofing company knocking on your door when there have been no recent or rememberable wind/hailstorms (hail ¾” or larger) is suspicious.
They offer to help you make an insurance claim. A scammer will often push for you to open an insurance claim on the spot, regardless of if you have damage or not. Most insurance companies will meet your roofer when it comes time to inspect your roof. But if a scammer starts the claim with you, it typically gives them the automatic bid.
They use high-pressure tactics and may try and get you to sign a contract. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! Signing a contract can put you in an unfavorable situation.
Door-to-door scamming practices have an indirect impact on you and your community. A new burden is placed on the insurance companies in your area, not only from a financial standpoint, but it also creates a massive time suck for your local adjusters. This new burden causes more (and oftentimes unnecessary) payouts, in addition to slowing adjusters’ response times to actual claims. In turn, insurance companies will deem your area “higher risk” and raise premiums in your region to match this elevated level of risk. A long-term impact can be an increased wind/hail deductible. The days of $1000 wind/hail deductibles will be over and replaced with 1-2% deductibles and depreciated roof payouts. That’s $6,000+ you will be paying out of pocket for a new roof if you have a 300K home. Yikes!
What should you do if you suspect your roof has been damaged?
If someone knocks on your door and offers a free inspection – kindly let them know you already have a local roofing company you prefer to work with but appreciate knowing there may be damage.
Reach out to your preferred local roofing company. If you don’t have a preferred roofing company, your insurance agent can recommend a reputable company in your area.
Discuss the potential of a claim with your agent before filing.
Know your deductible – remember you will be responsible for paying a portion of the claim. It’s essential to know your deductible and if your roof is covered at replacement cost OR if you will also be responsible for paying for the depreciation.
Howser Roofing does a great job laying out these steps and the claim process in more depth here: Filing A Roof Claim.
For more questions and insight into this, please always feel free to reach out to us at 785-370-0722!
