Insurance claims for roofs

[lesbunning]

Many of the houses on my street have had new roof's because of wind damage .In many cases the insurance company has paid for the new roof. My insurance company is American Integrity and when we made a claim they sent an engineering company to inspect the roof. This is a typical scenario for an insurance company who does not want to pay. As a result of the engineers report the insurance company refused to pay for the damage. Several roofing companies have advised that American integrity rarely pays for a new roof. Does anyone else have a similar experience. LBB

[kathyspear]

Every 2nd or 3rd house in our village is getting a new roof from the same company. The roofing company has a lawyer go after the insurance companies that don't want to replace a 20 year old roof because of bogus claims of "storm damage". I suspect every one of these homeowners will get a nice surprise when they get their next insurance bill. I just hope the insurance companies don't raise everyone's rates, including those of us who paid for our own roof.

kathy

[jacksonbrown]

The roofing company has a lawyer go after the insurance companies that don't want to replace a 20 year old roof because of bogus claims of "storm damage".

Kathy, is this what you "think" is happening, or do you have direct (personal) knowledge of this?

[Madelaine Amee]

I also live in a Village where many of the roofs are being replaced. My experience with this is as follows:

Our son is in the construction business. When he was here this winter we asked him to check our gutters and to check out the roof. He came back down and told us we had a very good quality roof with some normal age wear, but that it was good for at least another five years or so.

Was out in my yard last week when I noticed someone walking over my next door neighbor's roof. A short time later he came to our door and told us he could get us a new roof and would we like him to get up and take a look at it. Of course, we said yes. He came back and asked us who our insurance company was, we told him AAA. He told us we had wind damage to get in touch with our insurance company and have a claims adjuster come out and he would meet him at our house and walk him through the damage.

We contacted AAA and they sent out an independent claims adjuster to check our roof. He went on the roof with the person from the roofing company. He came down and told my husband there was absolutely nothing wrong with the roof and we were good for probably 5+ years before the roof needed attention.

I would respectfully suggest that anyone interested in this new roof offer do a very thorough search on this company before proceeding with a new roof.

[JGVillages]

My roof was checked by a roofer, inspected by an insurance provided inspector, then the results inspected by an adjuster at the insurance company prior to approval. With this process it’s hard to understand “ASI/Progressive” paying a bogus claim. Some may have minimal issues so the insurance won’t cover, but having the roof checked doesn’t make it a bogus claim. So if you know of actual “bogus “ claims please enlighten us.

[Lottoguy]

Have you seen the ad for ROOF MAX? It's a new system where they spray your roof with a treatment that increases the life of your roof. Will last five years and you can do it up to three times. I've seen their ad in the Villages Sun. Looks interesting and I believe the cost would be under $2,000 for most roofs here.

[CWGUY]

My roof was checked by a roofer, inspected by an insurance provided inspector, then the results inspected by an adjuster at the insurance company prior to approval. With this process it’s hard to understand “ASI/Progressive paying a claim. Some may have minimal issues so the insurance won’t cover, but having the roof checked doesn’t make it a bogus claim. So if you know of actual “bogus “ claims please enlighten us.

:) Don't know of any "bogus" claims...... but would like to know what others think of homeowners who get new roofs on the Insurance Co.'s dime when they are at the end of their expected life span. And I mean the roof's life span - not the homeowners.:icon_wink:
Example: In our CYV neighborhood our homes were built in 1999/2000 with 20 years roofs on them. There are now roofers going around and submitting insurance claims and doing roofing jobs. Many of us got together and had new roofs installed a couple of years ago( Thanks to 1 neighbor who did all the leg work) at a good price. Many of us knew our roofs were fine but at the end of their life expectancy. My impression is that we did the right thing and insurance claims now on 21 year old -20 year roofs- "MAY" just be bogus! :ho:

[Topspinmo]

:) Don't know of any "bogus" claims...... but would like to know what others think of homeowners who get new roofs on the Insurance Co.'s dime when they are at the end of their expected life span. And I mean the roof's life span - not the homeowners.:icon_wink:
Example: In our CYV neighborhood our homes were built in 1999/2000 with 20 years roofs on them. There are now roofers going around and submitting insurance claims and doing roofing jobs. Many of us got together and had new roofs installed a couple of years ago( Thanks to 1 neighbor who did all the leg work) at a good price. Many of us knew our roofs were fine but at the end of their life expectancy. My impression is that we did the right thing and insurance claims now on 21 year old -20 year roofs- "MAY" just be bogus! :ho:

So guess you didn’t get the free roof inspection?

[retiredguy123]

I find it difficult to believe that insurance companies are so stupid that they will spend thousands of dollars to replace a 20 year old roof. I would not hire any roofer who shows up offering a free inspection, and I would not allow any contractor to deal directly with my insurance company. If I thought my roof was damaged by a weather event, I would file a claim. And, if the claim was rejected, I may ask a reputable roofer for a second opinion. But, I would always deal directly with the insurance company.

[CWGUY]

So guess you didn’t get the free roof inspection?

:icon_wink: Unlike some here...... Anything FREE doesn't tickle ME.

I would not let anyone walk around on my roof. Also I do not do business with anyone who knocks on my door. Soliciting is against the rules ....... even when you think you are getting the deal of the century! :ohdear:

[CWGUY]

:read: There is a small 4 page insert in today's Daily Sun from The Villages Insurance called THE HOMETOWN CONNECTION. Read the story on page 2 on the top left. Talks about this subject and the possible rate increases it could cause. :popcorn:

[photo1902]

I find it difficult to believe that insurance companies are so stupid that they will spend thousands of dollars to replace a 20 year old roof. I would not hire any roofer who shows up offering a free inspection, and I would not allow any contractor to deal directly with my insurance company. If I thought my roof was damaged by a weather event, I would file a claim. And, if the claim was rejected, I may ask a reputable roofer for a second opinion. But, I would always deal directly with the insurance company.

100% correct. And great advice.

[stan the man]

The Village cry "If it's free it's for me"

[CWGUY]

:read: There is a small 4 page insert in today's Daily Sun from The Villages Insurance called THE HOMETOWN CONNECTION. Read the story on page 2 on the top left. Talks about this subject and the possible rate increases it could cause. :popcorn:

:) Just looked and it has been added to their Web Site. Here's the link.

Story on page 2.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS!
HOME INSURANCE RATE INCREASE

http://www.thevillagesinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-May.pdf

[jacksonbrown]

:) Just looked and it has been added to their Web Site. Here's the link. Story on page 2. ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS!
HOME INSURANCE RATE INCREASEhttp://www.thevillagesinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-May.pdf

And you write

"Contractors have and are continuing to target areas with aging roofs telling homeowners they have roof damage from a storm that happened many months ago, when in actuality the majority of damage is due to wear and tear. Homeowners see this as an opportunity to replace an older roof for “free”. We have been warning residents for the past year that this could happen. The Villages Insurance Team is aggressively exploring other markets, researching options to best meet the needs of our residents. "

Could it be that The Villages Insurance is getting calls from clientele who wonder why the company(s) it represents are refusing to honor their contractual relationship to their policy holders.

Please, TVI tell us the entire story. Tell us how the Florida Office Of Insurance Regulation (https://www.floir.com/), at the direction of the Florida Legislature has mandated the terms for storm damaged roof replacement.

The PDF smacks of the worst form of "faked" news, just to save TVI's commissions from companies that will not do what is right.

By the way, I was a P&C agency owner for over 25 years.

[Arctic Fox]

Have you seen the ad for ROOF MAX? It's a new system where they spray your roof with a treatment that increases the life of your roof. Will last five years and you can do it up to three times. I've seen their ad in the Villages Sun. Looks interesting and I believe the cost would be under $2,000 for most roofs here.

Roof Max quoted me $2,313 compared with a new roof at $11,907. Divide by the number of years (5 and 20-25) and it didn't seem worthwhile. The process seems to involve putting oil on the shingles, and I'm not sure I want the added fire risk!

[zamory]

Nothing in the insurance replacement industry happens without insurance company approval. The notion that a little roofing company can force an insurance company to pay out money is ludicrous. Everything done is governed by the state of Florida. Filing a suit against an insurance company that doesn’t follow the rules is every homeowners right. Rates will go up every year no matter what you do.

[bob47]

Every 2nd or 3rd house in our village is getting a new roof from the same company. The roofing company has a lawyer go after the insurance companies that don't want to replace a 20 year old roof because of bogus claims of "storm damage". I suspect every one of these homeowners will get a nice surprise when they get their next insurance bill. I just hope the insurance companies don't raise everyone's rates, including those of us who paid for our own roof.

kathy

As I replied on a similar thread, you, like me, are just going to pay for everyone's claim. Just got my renewal notice for homeowner's insurance. Cost increase to $1559 from $1080. And I bought my own roof, on my dime, two years ago.

Do you think our neighbors are at least going to take us out for a nice dinner?

[oldtimes]

I have to wonder how many of these roofs will need to be replaced again in a couple of years because they were poorly installed by companies that need to go door to door to solicit business.

[jacksonbrown]

I have to wonder how many of these roofs will need to be replaced again in a couple of years because they were poorly installed by companies that need to go door to door to solicit business.

From what I have seen, ZERO.

[JGVillages]

:) Don't know of any "bogus" claims...... but would like to know what others think of homeowners who get new roofs on the Insurance Co.'s dime when they are at the end of their expected life span. And I mean the roof's life span - not the homeowners.:icon_wink:
Example: In our CYV neighborhood our homes were built in 1999/2000 with 20 years roofs on them. There are now roofers going around and submitting insurance claims and doing roofing jobs. Many of us got together and had new roofs installed a couple of years ago( Thanks to 1 neighbor who did all the leg work) at a good price. Many of us knew our roofs were fine but at the end of their life expectancy. My impression is that we did the right thing and insurance claims now on 21 year old -20 year roofs- "MAY" just be bogus! :ho:

I would assume an Insurance Inspector has the expertise to determine deterioration from aging vs event damage. If your house is destroyed by an event you get your home replaced with insurance. If your roof is damaged beyond reasonable repair you get it replaced. That’s why you have insurance. For what reason would numerous different Insurance Companies payout replacements after their inspectors and in house adjusters approved the claim as reasonable event damage.
You may not be happy because so many are getting replacement, but for me the 3 step inspection provides all the legitimacy needed.

[jacksonbrown]

wjAs I replied on a similar thread, you, like me, are just going to pay for everyone's claim. Just got my reneithwal notice for homeowner's insurance. Cost increase to $1559 from $1080. And I bought my own roof, on my dime, two years ago.

Do you think our neighbors are at least going to take us out for a nice dinner?

You obviously have no idea how the insurance marketplace prices a risk. Do some research, read about the methods that companies use to rate the actuarial pricing before making such a ridiculous statement.

[bilcon]

Two people on my block just got new roofs, put on in one day and the homes are only 10 years old. I am not a roof expert, but their old roofs looks like new, and I never saw any repairs done on their roofs, even after the hurricane. I also saw an inspector checking another roof next door. I can see roofs needing replacement after 15 to 20 years, but 10 years. Something stinks.

[Arctic Fox]

The insurance companies are insuring the whole house, not just the roof. It makes no sense for them to refuse a claim on a roof that is not secure if doing so results in a much larger claim a few months later for water damage inside the house.

The chance of your ordinarily having to make a large claim is remote, so your $1,500 premium per year is enough for them to pay out $12,000 on a new roof every 20 years and still make a tidy profit. Don't worry - they have it all worked out.

[Ladygolfer93]

Yes I have ! I live in Bonnybrook. I have American I. insurance. I was totally stunned when one after another people kept knocking on my door about a terrible storm that hit my village in Feb. I do not remember any "dangerous" or out of the ordinary storm at all and had out of state guests who never notice during their stay. Now, the roofs are going on one after another, no one I've talked to had turned in a claim of knew of a "dangerous" storm until the knocks on the doors started. Will someone PLEASE tell me what the heck is going on ? I have lived in 3 states, never had people come to my door, always had to CALL my insurance company IF I had a claim but thankfully never did. When neighbors elsewhere did have a legitimate claim (neighbors had tree fall on house once, another neighbor in another statel had water pipes burst IN the walls, and BOTH had to CALL their insurance companies, etc.) My friends a few years back here in T V's, experienced this too, probably 5 years now, pounding on doors in their village, talking about the "bad storm", offering to "assist" them in getting a FREE roof ? Does that mean "assist" them in insurance fraud ?? What is all this anyway, can someone tell the truth. Have any of you done this and then found in a year, or two, you get a 20, 30, 40% increase in premiums ? I just don't "get it" and have never experiences anything like this... is it a "Florida thing ?" Help ! ! Everyone around here is just saying "don't be foolish" get your free roof too, we are, we signed up ! ?

[Ladygolfer93]

WOW ! Who would ever think ! Do they ever then RAISE your annual premiums ??

[Ladygolfer93]

My thought EXACTLY. I listen to a DETAILED explanation of roofing... all the techniques, nail strips, how many nails to a strip, how each peak or gable must be done and the MANY ways to cut corners because most people only look at a roof like a new "sweater or shirt", "it's really PRETTY, so I want it and it must be fine). So I called my son who is NOT a roofer, but last two years of high school AND in college worked EXTREMELY hard dirty jobs of a roofing contractor. He just laughed and said if he lived "to be 100, he would not run out of ways to explain to me how many poor roofing techniques exist ! Didn't give me much hope of knowing what to do. Will soon be the only person on block without a new roof.... and I just can't take another 65% increase in premiums for this American Integrity ! My "agent" just shrugged, said, hey, rates go UP even though you have not ever filed a claim ! Like, "oh well, not my problem" ??? Nice guy.

[Ladygolfer93]

Amen Amen and..... AMEN ! Too good to be true ? FREE roof ? And even in a community of all adults, it sure looks like people believe someone peddling door to door (?) free roofs is perfectly normal ? What do I know, nothing about the subject but in my life in several states and neighborhoods never experienced any think like it after a REAL SERIOUS actual "storm". I am confused for sure !

[jacksonbrown]

"Cost increase to $1559 from $1080. "

Entirely and utterly anecdotal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anecdotal_evidence).

[oldtimes]

My thought EXACTLY. I listen to a DETAILED explanation of roofing... all the techniques, nail strips, how many nails to a strip, how each peak or gable must be done and the MANY ways to cut corners because most people only look at a roof like a new "sweater or shirt", "it's really PRETTY, so I want it and it must be fine). So I called my son who is NOT a roofer, but last two years of high school AND in college worked EXTREMELY hard dirty jobs of a roofing contractor. He just laughed and said if he lived "to be 100, he would not run out of ways to explain to me how many poor roofing techniques exist ! Didn't give me much hope of knowing what to do. Will soon be the only person on block without a new roof.... and I just can't take another 65% increase in premiums for this American Integrity ! My "agent" just shrugged, said, hey, rates go UP even though you have not ever filed a claim ! Like, "oh well, not my problem" ??? Nice guy.

My husband who has done roofing said he would not allow most of the roofers he has seen near our roof.

[ProfessorDave]

Roofing – Facts You Should Know – For Your Best and Safest Choice
1) Told “ROOFER” Did A Great Job! … beware; anybody saying “they just finished and did a great job” doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Most workmanship defects do not show up until at least a year – typically years 3-5.
2) Roofer Recommended – Use My Name… these people are likely getting a $200 kick back from the roofer if you do that.
3) Quick Facts About Roofs
a. BBB (Better Business Bureau) … roofing is one of the biggest complaint areas
b. Warranty… why are manufacturer warranties so long? Because they know 9 out of 10 roofs are void the day they’re installed; scary, 99% of roofers don’t even know that.
c. Roof Performance… what is most important is underneath the shingle – what you don’t see. So – most roofers cut corners there to make money – because you wouldn’t know.
d. Insurance Claims… get three bids? Frankly, that is often ridiculous. Insurance is hoping that you’ll get three bids – choose the cheapest – and they’re off easy. Reality is – if you allow the roofer to negotiate on your behalf – they get whatever price they can justify to insurance – even if the quote to you was significantly lower. Lesson – sign up the BEST ROOFER – not the cheapest!
e. Contractors… almost every contractor in The Villages is a marketing company. The crews doing the work are subcontractors. So – even if they show you certifications, insurance, etc., it is basically crap – because the liability (and quality) is based on the crew. Since these marketing contractors (industry calls them “storm chasers” – that follow the wind and hail – they are off to the next storm – and don’t stand behind their warranties anyway. Their salespeople are NICE - make you FEEL GREAT – and make well over hundred thousand with this sales approach.
4) Some Things I Look/Ask For – Roofs I’ve Helped With:
a. Quality Shingle… avoid IKO, TAMKO, ATLAS (they are not great at honoring their warranties); acceptable is Owens Corning (but it is thin – not as attractive – less dimension); Best are CertainTeed (heavy) and GAF (great technology).
b. Starter Strip… insist it is a “pro grade” – not a common 3 -tab flipped over. And – make sure it is at BOTH the eave and rake edges. The eave and rake get the most wind uplift; the pro grade starter strip provides superior wind resistance.
c. Underlayment. Use synthetics; do not use the common paper (i.e. 15 or 30 lbs. felt)
d. Leak Barrier… some call it “ice and water shield. Make sure it is at ALL vulnerable areas including the valley and around all penetrations. These are “self-healing membranes” and when the house does a slight shift (all homes do), the roof will stay watertight.
e. Metal Flashing… make sure they do not “re-use” the old stuff. You want it custom fit with new metal.
f. Ridge Shingle… do not allow cheap 3 – tab which is common – you want a Pro Grade ridge shingle. When you don’t, you diminish your roof to a 20-year warranty essentially.
g. Fastening… two issues: 1) if they don’t check the air pressure, nails can be too deep (causes tears) or not deep enough (creates holes). MORE importantly, are they keeping the nails INSIDE THE NAIL ZONE. If not, more vulnerable to wind blow off.
h. Wind Mitigation Certification… get it; it can lower your homeowner’s insurance by over a $100 per year.
i. Ridge Vent… make sure it is on “all ridges” that are over heated spaces and also make sure it extends to at most 18 inches from each edge. Lots of contractor’s cheat – save money by not extending the vent to the full length. The risk is not enough ventilation, which results in these common issues:
i. Voided Warranty… not enough “exhaust” at the ridge to meet code.
ii. Health Risks… by not creating air flow, warm/moist are is trapped in the attic. The recipe for mold is warm moist air in a dark environment with organic material.
iii. High Energy Costs… 2% moisture in attic ventilation reduces the effectiveness by 1/3
iv. Roof Durability… if the deck (under the shingles) gets too hot, the shingles “fry” out – in Florida, typically lasts about 13 – 18 years max.
j. Hip Roof?... they typically have only a small area of ridge. Therefore, highly recommend solar powered vents to assure “exhaust” ventilation.
Hope this helps. If you want to deal director with a qualified crew – I might be able to help. My deal with them: if they do a roof for a “friend” they give me a $5.00 Starbucks gift certificate. (They wanted to give me more – I will not take it! We compromised on Starbucks.)

[oldtimes]

Roofing – Facts You Should Know – For Your Best and Safest Choice
1) Told “ROOFER” Did A Great Job! … beware; anybody saying “they just finished and did a great job” doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Most workmanship defects do not show up until at least a year – typically years 3-5.
2) Roofer Recommended – Use My Name… these people are likely getting a $200 kick back from the roofer if you do that.
3) Quick Facts About Roofs
a. BBB (Better Business Bureau) … roofing is one of the biggest complaint areas
b. Warranty… why are manufacturer warranties so long? Because they know 9 out of 10 roofs are void the day they’re installed; scary, 99% of roofers don’t even know that.
c. Roof Performance… what is most important is underneath the shingle – what you don’t see. So – most roofers cut corners there to make money – because you wouldn’t know.
d. Insurance Claims… get three bids? Frankly, that is often ridiculous. Insurance is hoping that you’ll get three bids – choose the cheapest – and they’re off easy. Reality is – if you allow the roofer to negotiate on your behalf – they get whatever price they can justify to insurance – even if the quote to you was significantly lower. Lesson – sign up the BEST ROOFER – not the cheapest!
e. Contractors… almost every contractor in The Villages is a marketing company. The crews doing the work are subcontractors. So – even if they show you certifications, insurance, etc., it is basically crap – because the liability (and quality) is based on the crew. Since these marketing contractors (industry calls them “storm chasers” – that follow the wind and hail – they are off to the next storm – and don’t stand behind their warranties anyway. Their salespeople are NICE - make you FEEL GREAT – and make well over hundred thousand with this sales approach.
4) Some Things I Look/Ask For – Roofs I’ve Helped With:
a. Quality Shingle… avoid IKO, TAMKO, ATLAS (they are not great at honoring their warranties); acceptable is Owens Corning (but it is thin – not as attractive – less dimension); Best are CertainTeed (heavy) and GAF (great technology).
b. Starter Strip… insist it is a “pro grade” – not a common 3 -tab flipped over. And – make sure it is at BOTH the eave and rake edges. The eave and rake get the most wind uplift; the pro grade starter strip provides superior wind resistance.
c. Underlayment. Use synthetics; do not use the common paper (i.e. 15 or 30 lbs. felt)
d. Leak Barrier… some call it “ice and water shield. Make sure it is at ALL vulnerable areas including the valley and around all penetrations. These are “self-healing membranes” and when the house does a slight shift (all homes do), the roof will stay watertight.
e. Metal Flashing… make sure they do not “re-use” the old stuff. You want it custom fit with new metal.
f. Ridge Shingle… do not allow cheap 3 – tab which is common – you want a Pro Grade ridge shingle. When you don’t, you diminish your roof to a 20-year warranty essentially.
g. Fastening… two issues: 1) if they don’t check the air pressure, nails can be too deep (causes tears) or not deep enough (creates holes). MORE importantly, are they keeping the nails INSIDE THE NAIL ZONE. If not, more vulnerable to wind blow off.
h. Wind Mitigation Certification… get it; it can lower your homeowner’s insurance by over a $100 per year.
i. Ridge Vent… make sure it is on “all ridges” that are over heated spaces and also make sure it extends to at most 18 inches from each edge. Lots of contractor’s cheat – save money by not extending the vent to the full length. The risk is not enough ventilation, which results in these common issues:
i. Voided Warranty… not enough “exhaust” at the ridge to meet code.
ii. Health Risks… by not creating air flow, warm/moist are is trapped in the attic. The recipe for mold is warm moist air in a dark environment with organic material.
iii. High Energy Costs… 2% moisture in attic ventilation reduces the effectiveness by 1/3
iv. Roof Durability… if the deck (under the shingles) gets too hot, the shingles “fry” out – in Florida, typically lasts about 13 – 18 years max.
j. Hip Roof?... they typically have only a small area of ridge. Therefore, highly recommend solar powered vents to assure “exhaust” ventilation.
Hope this helps. If you want to deal director with a qualified crew – I might be able to help. My deal with them: if they do a roof for a “friend” they give me a $5.00 Starbucks gift certificate. (They wanted to give me more – I will not take it! We compromised on Starbucks.)

:agree: You know your stuff.

[christine J Toft]

Many homes in my mothers village are getting new roofs. They are over 20 years old. The roofing company says they have a lawyer who sues the insurance company to make them pay for it as "storm damage". In actuality, they just need new roofs. Seven on her street alone. I consider this insurance fraud. How do they get away with it? Won't mention the roofing company, but it's all the same one. Seems criminal to me.