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Roofing Scams Bloom as Weather Warms Up
March 29, 2010
Be careful in choosing a contractor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Russ Dubisky, Executive Director
803-252-3455 or cell phone 803-708-5271
russd@scinsnews.com
Columbia, S.C. March 29, 2010 -- Many homeowners across South Carolina are discovering that the sun is not the only thing that comes out after a spring hailstorm.
A brochure may be left on your doorknob or in your mailbox telling you that catastrophic hail and windstorms struck the area and you may have severe damage to your roof. The roofing company may offer to help you get your insurer to pay for a new roof.
If you havent seen a major hailstorm pass through your neighborhood, be cautious about this information. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported last year that more than four times as many roof repair scams involving hailstorm damage were reported in the first quarter of 2009 as were reported in the same period of 2008.
At least one company has been soliciting repair business in this manner in South Carolina, according to a report by WSPA television in Greenville-Spartanburg. Homeowners received phone calls from the company offering to inspect their roofs.
The company did not explain that the homeowner would have to pay a deductible to get the repair or replacement done. And, of course, it did not mention that the homeowner might lose a discount and have to pay higher insurance premiums.
Some things to consider:
Be careful of any company that uses door-to-door sales or leaves a flier on your doorknob or in your mailbox, promising insurance compensation for repairs.
Phrases to watch out for: "insurance companies are compensating" and "most homeowners are unaware of the storm damage on their roof."
Make sure to get verification of a hailstorm in your neighborhood. The National Weather Service or your neighbors are good independent sources.
If there was a storm, find out how large the hailstones were. It usually takes hail at least 1Ό inches in diameter to cause damage, with golf ball size or larger causing serious damage.
Look around your property before climbing on your roof. Is there hail damage to vehicles, siding or shrubbery? If not, damage to your roof is unlikely.
The homeowner should be aware of which way the storm was moving. Most S.C. homes have roofs with various angles or pitches, which means that the angles facing the storm would receive the most damage.
Hail damage is random. Unscrupulous repair companies may use a teaspoon, small rocks or hammers to fabricate damage.
After a storm:
Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
To see a video showing whats what about roofs and hail damage, go to www.scinsnews.com/homeowners.php
For more than 30 years, the South Carolina Insurance News Service, a nonprofit organization, has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues. The News Service is funded by insurance companies doing business in South Carolina.
For more information, contact the South Carolina Insurance News Service at 803-252-3455 or use our contact form.
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