typo
Quote:
Originally Posted by MNJohnson
When I received our homeowners policy and noticed the significant increase in our annual premium, I started doing some research. Please be aware that these roofing companies are preying on the elderly who will believe what they are told since most are unable to see the roof themselves. They are also having you sign an assignment of benefits saying that they will take care of your roof for you with no money out of pocket. The reason is that by signing that form, you are waiving your negotiating power and allowing them to charge your insurance company whatever they please for your new roof. This then raises everyone's insurance premiums. If you look at switching insurance companies now when your rates are high, you also will need a roof that is less than 14 years old for them to consider taking you. All of these claims and new roofs that probably weren't necessary are causing everyone's rates to go up.
I encourage you to google: assignment of benefits Florida, for more information on the form roofers are having you sign.
Be extremely cautious of people who come around knocking on your door offering services! Most are out to take advantage of you. Do your research and take your time with making decisions.
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There are only about 3-4 hold outs in my neighborhood, those of us who know this is wrong, and that "creasing" is a normal result of wear and tear on a roof, it does not mean you have, or will have, a leak. Most folks are as happy as clams with their "free" roofs, and also happy their neighbors will be paying for their roof while they will get a lowering of their premium due to the new roof. The perfect scam. Someone mentioned to me that the Daily Sun actually ran an article on all of this. I didn't see it, did anyone notice this ? Was about a week or two ago I was told. Reputable insurance agent at a reputable agency told me this has been going on FOR EVER in Florida, all over Florida. The insurance companies, I was told, just "roll over" because Florida has no cap on court costs, litigation, etc. and the roofers make so much money they are able to "take care of everything" for the customer, including any court or legal matters. "Rolling over" for a roof that costs them on average less than 5K, is far less expensive than fighting one long court battle after another on the part of a home owner who "claims" storm damage". You are correct in your response, they require AOB's, assignment of benefits. That is a nightmare, it should be against the law, but people do it willingly all the time. A family member actually told me I was being foolish not to get my "free" roof. That in the end, my neighbors would all have a free brand new roof, and much lower premiums, while I would one day be stuck with at least 10K for a new roof and meanwhile have a 65% premium raise (which mine was in Aug.) even with a record of NEVER a claim, here or in any other state. Scam is right. I can't go along with the guy who came to my door, uninvited, and said, " I've been doing some work for a neighbor of yours and noticed you have some creasing going on with your shingles, if you would "authorize" me to take a closer look, I'd be glad to while I'm here anyway (so are you on the time my "neighbor" is paying YOU and using that time to come to MY door uninvited... hummm ??? Doesn't sound ethical to me. sounds like you say you are working for my neighbor and taking pay, but you are here at my house offering to look at my roof on his time, hummm. Hope my plumber does not go around to my neighbors while I am paying him to work on MY plumbing issue ! !