Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - What is the 'roofing scam'?
View Single Post
 
Old 02-23-2024, 12:40 PM
Randall55 Randall55 is offline
Veteran member
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 774
Thanks: 328
Thanked 631 Times in 333 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RalphTheElder View Post
I have read of a 'roofing scam' (How can we solve the insurance problem in Florida?) as though it is a well-known thing, but I don't know what it is.

Could someone please enlighten me?

TIA!

- Potential Future Resident of TV
It goes something like this. A week ago, the weather was windy. Not during a hurricane, simple windy weather.

A roofer knocks on your door. "Hey, my team just finished putting a new roof on your neighbor's home. The windy weather last week destroyed the shingles. If you want, I will check your roof. No cost to you! "

You are puzzled and respond. "My roof is only ten years old. I doubt anything is wrong with it."

Roofer explains it is better to be safe than sorry. I have my ladders on the truck, I'll check it for you, if you'd like.

You are now worried. Since it is no cost you allow him on your roof.

Ten minutes later, the roofer explains why you need a new roof. That windy weather caused damage to your home too.

"Are you sure?" You ask. "It's supposed to. be. good for thirty years."

"Yeah, this happens frequently. But, as long as you have homeowners insurance, your policy will pay for it. I can check for you. Just give me your insurance information and I will call them."

Yada yada, yada....the homeowner gets a new roof paid in full by the insurance company.

While his workers are finishing the roof, the owner knocks on the door next door. Wouldn't you know? That windy weather destroyed that roof too!

The roofer puts on 5 or 6 new roofs in the neighborhood, then moves on. All the roofs were paid in full by the insurance companies.

This scam happens frequently with HVAC, as well. Darn it! Your system was struck by lightening. Needs replacing! But don't worry, the insurance company will pay for it.

I know of one man who convinced an eldely widow who bought a smaller home she needed a water heater. He couldn't understand why anyone would remove it from the garage and not replace it. The widow paid for a new water heater. There was nothing wrong with hers. She had a tankless water heater outdoors. The widow had no clue.

Last edited by Randall55; 02-23-2024 at 01:02 PM.