b'STEEP SLOPEin Texas, the deductible is now based on 1% or 2% ofas well, they say, asking you if youve considered the value of the home. At 1%, a $250,000 home nowreplacing or repairing your roof via an insurance claim. has a roof deductible for $2,500. That is a big differenceYou immediately have flashbacks to the hailstorm that and insurance companies are expanding the concept.rolled through town several weeks ago, leaving your For more information, this applies to many states. roof, siding, and car damaged, dented and in urgent www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/can-a-contractor-waive-my- need of repair. You tell them that unfortunately you deductible.html called your insurance company and were informed that youd need to pay an insurance deductible of $1,500 With the higher premiums and the higher deductibles,in order to repair the damage. The timing could not be they are reducing losses. That is just simple math. worse, as you just replaced your HVAC system, fixed Unfortunately, too many contractors in restorationthe car or bought new furniture and you are going to or roofing are absorbing those deductibles. Whichbe cash strapped for a few months while you focus on effectively means the additional cost from the insurancereplenishing your savings. In short, youre unable to company to the homeowner is simply being passedpay your deductible without assistance.along to the contractor who waives the deductible to getThank you for the offer, but unfortunately, were unable the project. The homeowner does not care, it is not outto consider a roof replacement at this time. We will take of their pocket. The insurance company does not care;your card and call you when we have the money ready their out of pocket has been reduced on the claim. It isto pay off the insurance deductible.the contractor who should care for three reasons. 1) theyData shows that 69% of people have less than $1,000 are reducing their own profits; 2) they are committingin savings. insurance fraud; and 3) depending on the state, they may be breaking the law. Find your state law here: www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-https://deductfund.com/deductible-laws/ advice/americans-have-less-than-1000-in-savings/Insurance Fraud:LetsunderstandInsurance Fraud.Insurancecompanies have detailed records of every homeowners deductible, and they cover the amount above the deductible. Though it may seem that they wont notice if you have covered the deductible as a contractor, you may be wrong. Concealing such payment facts from insurance companies falls in the category of insurance fraud.Additionally,startingwiththe larger homeowners insurance companies, it is not uncommon forthemtorequestproofof paymentofthedeductible from either the homeowner or the contractor. This trend will continuetoexpand.Notall insurance companies require that documentation on every single claim. But that is the future for all. The roofing contractor tells you, his company will replace The Consumer Experience your roof and cover your insurance deductible for you, Youre relaxing in your living room on a Saturdaythat he can discount it off of the project cost, and he morning, and you hear a knock on your door. To yourreally wants to help you. Wow, what an offer! At first surprise there is a roofing contractor standing thereyou ruled out the project because you didnt have with a clipboard and a kind smile. They apologize for$1,500 immediately available to pay the deductible, but bothering you and mention that they are working in yourthis seems like a great offer. Youve seen the roofing neighborhood, helping your neighbor replace their roof.companys trucks in your neighborhood, you know that It looks like your roof was damaged pretty severelythey are a reputable company, and they do high quality work. So now, why not take their offer and get a new Continued on page 34www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 33'