Roofing Scams. Don't Become a Victim!

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price.

For nearly every industry, there are a group of scammers who seek to take money in exchange for little or no work. Ponzi schemes plague the financial industry while the world of medicine is full of insurance scammers and unlicensed practitioners. The residential roofing industry is no exception. There are always bad eggs out there, so we’ve taken a look at some of the top scams that make the rest of us look bad. We hope no one falls for these, so we’re sharing these top scams in the roofing world:

Door-to-Door Inspections

These hard-sell artists are out there and they target every home on the block. There are legitimate businesses that still do business this way, but be wary when they have claims of incredible damage that you were not aware of. Be sure to do regular inspections of your roof on your own so that you are up to date of its condition. If you allow someone up on the roof to do an inspection and they come back with claims on damage, discuss this with your insurance carrier before you sign anything. With these scams, the damage may have been fabricated by the ″inspector”.

Too Good to be True

Barring any incredible weather events, we only have to replace our roofs every 20 years or so. Therefore, most of us don’t have a good idea of the true cost of a roof replacement. When an extremely low bid rolls in, it is very tempting to jump at it. However, these bids are intended merely as bait. When costs start adding up and the bottom line keeps growing, the homeowner will find that he is stuck with a scammer. To avoid this, discuss estimates with every contractor. Also, get the low bid in writing with as many details as possible so that you can compare the offer against the competition.

Storm Chasers

Just as the legal field has been plagued by ambulance chasers, the roofing industry has storm chasers. These scammers are nomadic and will follow storm systems to find homeowners whose roofs have been ruined by the storm. They prey on the fact that insurance will likely pay for the work. In fact, they will perform a roof replacement, but it may be the shoddiest, most incomplete job possible. Once problems start arising with the shoddy workmanship, the scammers are long gone, likely onto the next town hit by the storm.

Down Payment Scam

Storm chasers might use this tactic, but it can also be used by any scammer. Once a homeowner agrees to have the roofing work done, the contractor will ask for a down payment he claims is for materials. If it’s an insurance job, they will ask that the insurance check be signed over to them. Once they have cash or a check, they will go to the store for materials, but will never return.

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.

A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:

• Local references and roofing testimonials
• Business License
• Roofing credentials
• Workers compensation insurance
• General liability insurance
• Written manufacturer warranties
• Written labor warranties

Bottom line ~ Before you do anything with a roofer the approaches you about repairs, do your research!! Most reputable contractors do not go door-to-door!! Protect yourself and your family from these scam artist.

If protecting your family is important to you - Brew City Insurance is a great place to start.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review.

We will make sure you and all your family are safe all year long.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at:

2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you!

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