I can now say, “I know both sides of the story”

Homeowner perspective on Roof Replacement

After the storms in 2018 that hit Fountain, CO I knew that I needed to get my roof replaced.  We were not having leaking nor actual holes in our roof, but I knew we had damage.  Working for a Colorado roofing company, I knew that my roof would have to be placed on hold because of the severity of the storm and damages homeowners in my area received.

Now not many people work where I work…with a Colorado roofing company.  I had an edge on what the steps were and what to expect during this process. My goal is that the information within this blog, will help you and provide you guidance.

Fast forward to 2020… We began the process of selling our home.

I knew that I had put my roof replacement on hold after the 2018 storm however in order to sell the home, the roof would need to be replaced now.  I figured that the replacement would have to be done prior to closing or the new homeowner would not be able to get insurance coverage. So, the replacement process began and, was stress-free because of where I work.

I figured that the most stressful part of the replacement process would be working with my insurance company, we only had two weeks to get everything done and I didn’t need anything to prevent the closing from moving forward.  To my surprise, after calling my insurance company, within a couple of hours, I had an email from the assigned adjuster ready to set an appointment to come out and inspect my roof.  Now I know some homeowners would be totally against providing information to the roofing company let alone have them at the house when the insurance adjuster is there.  I am here to tell you; this is the Best thing to do.

You want your roofing company there to meet with the adjuster, let me tell you why…

My project manager came out to the house prior to the adjuster meeting and did his own inspection. This allowed him to see where the damage was and what “necessary” components were needed to bring my roof back to pre-storm status.  I was so thankful, because the day of the appointment, my project manager arrived at my house before the adjuster, he placed ladders at the access points, so the adjuster didn’t need to. And when the adjuster arrived, after introducing himself, handed the adjuster an inspection showing the scope of work needed to replace the roof.  The adjuster was so impressed that all they had to do is verify that what was on the inspection in fact had damage and needed to be replaced.  After the adjuster reviewed the information, all that was left to do is create the claim summary and cut the check to me.  This alleviated the whole supplementing step that normally would have been done if this had not been provided to the adjuster, not to mention kept us on our schedule for closing.

Again, insurance moved quickly and had the claim summary to me within a couple of days along with the insurance money directly deposited into my account.  I truly do not think that if my project manager had not prepared the inspection before the adjuster appointment, we still would have been working through the supplement process and had to have the closing moved back.

I hear from our customers often how wonderful our customer service is and how happy they were not only with the company, but their project manager and our roofing crews.  I was finally to witness what all the hype was all about!

My project manager moved quickly to get the materials ordered and our roof replacement on the schedule.  By the end of the week, we were set for a Saturday build, which I knew that we did replacements over the weekend, but what I was surprised was that my project manager not only also worked, but was there when the crew showed up and came back when the replacement was completed to make sure that everything was done to my liking and our property as well as our neighbors was clean of nails and debris.

I work for a Colorado Roofer and was still surprised on how smoothly this process went; IMAGINE how you are going to feel when selecting our company to provide you with those services!

Professional Perspective on Roof Replacement

I have shared with you my roofing experience as a homeowner, now let me share information that will be helpful when selecting a roofing contractor.  Please keep in mind that I have been on both sides and provide valid information in your selection process.

As you are shopping for the “right” roofing contractor, I recommend that you take the following into account:

• Research your options via Google and BBB
• Read the reviews that previous customers have written. Keep in mind that all reviews may not be positive, however read why they weren’t and determine whether the points are valid.
• Are the companies you are looking at located in your area or are they working out of their home and move to where the storms are occurring “storm chasers.”

WHAT OUR COMPANY OFFERS:

• Our ultimate goal “is to make roof replacements easy!”
• Our office staffs a CUSTOMER CARE TEAM that is assigned with your project manager. We work as a team throughout your roofing project.
• Our project manager overseas your roofing project from start to finish and is there the day of your roof replacement
• We have a SUPPLEMENT/DEPRECIATION team that is very knowledgeable in regional building guidelines and the insurance process. Our team works with your insurance company to assure that your roof is restored to pre-storm status.
• We have been in business since 1990 and have a brick and mortar site that we encourage our homeowners to visit
• Our roofing crews have been committed to our company for many years and are tested and trained right here at our office
• We are ranked in the top 3 roofing companies in Colorado Springs
• We have over 300 Google Reviews with a ranking of 4.8

“In my 17 years as a homeowner I have had numerous contractor’s conduct work in and around my home and none of them has impressed me as much as Jeff Arnold at Integrity Roofing. Our roof replacement came with more than its share of adversity as we were in the middle of selling the home and dealing with a material defect warranty issue with the manufacturer from the previous roof installation. Jeff showed a lot of integrity and character in staying the course and keeping me informed at every step. He also went out of his way to reduce our costs and started/completed an outstanding job on time. If you’re in the market for roof repair or replacement, do yourself a favor and call Jeff at Integrity Roofing.” – Gary T.

“Very pleased with Integrity and will recommend them with confidence. We got several bids for our new roof and we chose them because of their customer service during the process. They were very responsive and seemed to have a solid reputation. They worked with us to schedule and the day after the roof was stocked we had a damaging hail storm. They put the project on hold while we filed an insurance claim and then got back to it. John Babb, the project manager, and the crew were awesome. John was very responsive and continues to be so (6 months later we had some ice dam concerns). The crew did a fantastic job and corrected a few things from the original roof. After the job was done, their cleanup was so good you wouldn’t know they had been here.” – Eric D.

Written by Donna M.

I have included the insurance carrier’s risk on this email transmission. In response to your call earlier today to Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC I will explain how we protected your property risk from further damage and why we need to be compensated for our scope and pricing. First, we began our communication with Liberty Mutual on October 16, 2016 and it has taken over one month before Liberty Mutual responded to our supplement request.

Objective data in this storm:

1. This is the largest storm in Colorado Springs history.

2. It has taken 6 weeks to have materials delivered.

3. Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC is the second largest roofing company in the area based upon roof permit volume.

4. Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC is comprised of roofers, contractors, administrators, a former adjuster and former insurance agent staffer.

5. It is the fiduciary responsibility of the insurer’s risk to mitigate against further loss.

6. The hail damage detrimentally impacted the shingles to where the water shedding ability was not only diminished, but it was compromised to where the risk may have sustained major interior damage if the roof came under a major snow load, therefore we valiantly replaced the roof to protect against further damage.

7. Liberty Mutual took one month to respond to our supplement request and if we would have waited for your response before we ordered materials and scheduled than this roof may have sustained major damage.

8. If we waited for Liberty Mutual to approved the supplement on November 17 than the roof would not have been installed this year. It may have sustained major damage from leakage do to snow loads and freeze and thaw cycles.

9. Liberty Mutual can maintain their position to hold to the letter of the law or they can supplement the claim based upon our integrity.

We use present day fair market value pricing which is found in Xactimate. Liberty Mutual is adjusting prices within Xactimate unfairly by stating that we should use MAD SKY. This is an unfair business trade practice and is not sustainable. It should not be long before this is abolished for it appears that this practice may violate fair trade practices. It currently is our understanding that an insurance carrier may not direct a contractor to belong to a program in order to provide services unless it is written into the insurance contract. From conversations with Liberty Mutual adjusters it doesn’t appear that MAD SKY is part of the insurance policy/contract. Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC is requesting that Liberty Mutual pay our scope and pricing for we are heroes and ultimately protected this property from damage.

Liberty Mutual on the other hand took too long to respond to our initial request and would have placed their client at risk, however the contract states that it would have been the insureds fault if she did not mitigate against further loss, therefore we intervened and did the just thing.

Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC is compromised of restoration professionals who do not claim to be insurance adjusters nor insurance claims experts. In addition, we are not attorneys. We are homeowner’s advocates and serve our clients by restoring their homes to pre-storm condition. Everyone needs to work together to take care of Colorado Springs during this time of need.

Sincerely, Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC

By: Jerry Fristoe, Managing Member, Sr Appraiser

IT SEEMS THAT VOICES ARE BEING SILENT

I’m hear to tell you that the emperor is naked and no one is telling him. There are Colorado Springs roofers and homeowners that are stealing from insurance companies and everyone seems to act like it’s okay. As a regular Joe the Roofer, I’m here to say with a prophetic voice to this generation and to Colorado Springs that it’s not okay for you to illegally benefit from the insurance company. If you think it’s okay than just wait to see what your children do. Every generation builds upon the past generation. I only hope that the generation learns to not reproduce the greed that they are witnessing in their parents. Sure they may not actually see the full manifestation of their parents, yet don’t be fooled it will show up for the things of the heart can not be hidden. I love people, and I hate to see greed manifested; for it’s insatiable once it has been given birth.

ROOFERS AGAINST INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE FRAUD

There are several legitimate Colorado Springs Roofers that operate their businesses with structures of integrity that follow rules and abide in the law of the land. They will not compromise their integrity for greed. They find their integrity is based upon truth and they will not compromise what’s right and wrong for money or convenience. Yes, integrity is not relative it’s objective and the source of real integrity is only found in the Bible. Several Colorado Springs roofing companies are against insurance deductible fraud and I’m hoping to see a movement toward righteousness in our industry and to witness men and women being transformed.

HOMEOWNERS’ PERPETUATE CORRUPTION WITH ROOF DEDUCTIBLE FRAUD

Homeowners’ are not innocent victims when it comes to roof deductible insurance fraud. As a matter of fact it’s the homeowner that is perpetuating this corruption. The Better Business Bureau will not address this issue, nor will the news stations. All accounts from both the BBB and news media render the homeowner as an innocent victim. That’s not true. Here in Colorado Springs roughly 33% of every prospective customer will ask us, “what about my deductible?” When we respond that they can pay for their deductible with check or credit card they get agitated.” We didn’t take the bait for they know that it’s illegal and they want me to cross the line. We don’t cross the line nor do we meet them half way. Now they have to tell me exactly what they mean and this tactful homeowner now either divulges their true intent of fraud or tip toes around the issues with a story. We’ve heard it all and it’s become hilarious with the masterful conversations that we’ve heard over the years. Homeowners are really artful in sharing their expectations that roofers are to commit the insurance fraud, however the homeowner wants nothing to do with it. Homeowners’ actually say, “I want commit insurance fraud, but you will, if you want my business.” This is so wicked and disastrous to our children. Whatever the parents do, the kids will do unless their eyes are opened. Remember, I already said the emperor is naked and everyone has closed their eyes to the truth. What will you do? Imagine where our kids will be like with the kind of moralistic thinking that is prevalent in our society today.

HOMEOWNER’S GREED CORRUPTS COLORADO SPRINGS ROOFERS, OOPS!

This is not the fault of roofers in Colorado Springs. Most of the roofers don’t have the same moral compass that I have. Many homeowners in Colorado Springs were raised with a Judeo-Christian view, yet they are willing to compromise right and wrong for money. I’m not judging anyone I’m telling you biblical perspective and personal objective experiences that are not ethereal in nature. Colorado Springs homeowners must choose to do what’s right are corruption will persist. It’s a homeowners greed that invites roofers into corruption. It’s not funny when I hear the sweet little mom state, ‘I’m going to do what’s best for my family.” That’s code work for I need a roofer that will collaborate with me in committing fraud so I can steal from the insurance company and use the money on a family vacation. Wow, I really said that and I did because it’s social moralistic relativism that is justified because my family benefits. Hey, that’s wrong no matter your age, sex or color.

WHY WOULD A ROOFER THAT ALWAYS LIES TO INSURANCE COMPANIES TELL YOU THE TRUTH?

For the homeowner their one little time of infidelity with the insurance company may appear to be small. The problem for a Colorado Springs roofer is that he is being asked to prostitute his values every time he commits fraud. It is the continual process of lying that hardens a roofers perspective to right and wrong. How can you as a homeowner trust a roofer in Colorado Springs that is constantly lying to the insurance company? With a seared conscience, how can you trust a Colorado Springs roofing company that trains everyone on staff to lie? It would be foolish on a homeowners’ part to think that the roofer will not lie to them, if they regularly lie by sending fraudulent invoices to the insurance company. This is how it’s done and there’s no denying it. Integrity can not be compartmentalized or lived in a vacuum. You either have it or you don’t.

These questions are logical and reasonable. If one looks at the facts with a clear conscience than it would make sense to not employ a corrupt roofer in Colorado Springs.

Ethics Matter

Living rightly according to truth really matters. If it’s the law, honor it. If you have to pay the deductible, pay it. If it’s a red light, stop. If it’s green, go. The law makes sense, so follow it. Right lives really do matter. Roofing companies in Colorado Springs that are conducting business by the book should matter to the community. The truth is most of the Colorado Springs roofers that play the book are penalized and it would be difficult for them to ever grow beyond a medium sized company. It’s hard for many homeowners to not cheat and steal. Additionally, roofing companies with integrity grow slowly for they have to find other solid people to work for them. Lastly, they will grow slowly because they don’t cover deductibles. Most of the time, all you have to do is look at who has the most yard signs on every block after a hailstorm and you’ll know whose corrupt.

Colorado Springs Roofers With Integrity

There are roofers in Colorado Springs that exercise their business with the utmost integrity. As a whole we don’t see ourselves as the victims of corruption. I think we do see ourselves as ministers of roofing. Even today in other nations profession business people use the title of minister in their trade.  I know of several roofing companies in Colorado Springs that are conducting themselves with integrity, but they are rare.

THE NEXT GENERATION MATTERS

The youth in our nation are watching, learning and reproducing what our generation has done. We need good role models of righteousness. I challenge everyone that reads this simple article to pursue righteousness. This generation matters and the unborn children matter. What we do today will either build up or tear down future generations. I for one desire to build up the next generation. It is my desire to see children of hope and destiny and not children of despair and hopelessness. May we all be transformed by revival in our business structures, schools and homes.

WIN, WIN RELATIONSHIPS

Colorado Springs roofing companies and homeowners enter into a win, win relationship when the roofer installs the best roof and the homeowner pays their deductible. The homeowner has a covenant with the insurance company to pay the deductible to the roofer. The roofer deserves to make a profit if the company is to remain solvent. The only way to sustain the roofing business for Colorado Springs roofers is for them to get paid the present day market value for a roof installation. Honest roofers will not cover deductibles and they deserve to be paid the proper amount.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO COMMIT FRAUD BY COVERING YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

Of course, your doctor will not do this, nor should you expect a roofing company in Colorado Springs to do the same. Homeowner’s it’s up to you to protect yourself by doing what’s right. Good luck with selecting a roofer that you can trust.

Most, but not all homeowner’s that are asking to receive a roof inspection fully understand the insurance process and therefore they are trying to manipulate the system to make a buck. I have no problem in stating this information publicly. Every person that we’ve given a roof inspection to has said that we are higher than the insurance company. It’s amazing that not one person said, “wow, my insurance company neglected to cover all of my roof components.” While speaking with homeowner’s we are continually asked to cover deductibles, to give sign credits, rebates and discounts. We will not give credits, loans, discounts or rebates. There are roofing companies that are giving loans to cover deductibles and the homeowner is told they do not have to pay the loan back to the roofer.

This is greed on the part of the homeowner and the contractor and if our children are going to live in a better world the corruption has to stop with this generation. I’m a little hot and frustrated with everyone’s false pre-supposition that we’re all good. The truth is I see a lot of bad things and hear a lot of greed and corruption when I talk with homeowner’s. I’m shocked that house wives, business men, corporate executives, military personnel and all walks of life are committing insurance fraud.

The roof inspection that the homeowner is looking for to come in cheaper than the insurance company will provide the homeowner no financial benefit until they have a contractor present an inspection higher to the insurance company than what has actually been paid. Homeowner’s regularly convey information that they will not commit fraud, but they want the roofer to send false and fraudulent documents for the betterment of the homeowner. “Oh, come on, is anyone listening?” The homeowner is driving this crazy issue while wearing a facade of innocence.

It is rare that we meet a homeowner that really wants a roof inspection. Many if not most homeowner’s are going after dishonest gain. You can not profit from the insurance claim when recoverable depreciation is present without committing fraud. It’s that simple.

Insurance Companies Don’t Overpay

Every honest contractor that has been roofing Colorado Springs homes knows that insurance companies don’t overpay. Let’s take another approach and ask your Pharmacists’ to pay your co-pay or better yet ask your Doctor if you can pocket some of the money from your insurance claim on your next medical visit. You might say. “that’s preposterous.” I agree it is ludicrous for you to ask any roofer to put money in your pocket on an insurance claim.

Insurance Claims

• Why not send an insurance check to a patient for the patient to pay the Doctor?
• Why not send an insurance check to the roofer?
• Why not have Physicians compete on price?
• Why not have every Physician give you a detailed written bid?
• Why not get 3 inspections for every medical treatment?
• Why do patients go to a Physician and allow the Doctor to give a bill to the insurance company?
• Why do insurance companies tell patients to get 3 inspections from a medical practitioner?
• Why not ask your Doctor to perform services for free?
• Why not get a free upgrade or facelift while visiting the Doctor?
• Why not ask your Physician to allow you to pocket some of the money from the insurance company?
• Why not ask your medical provider to misclassify your physical condition so it can be covered by your insurance company?
• It would really make sense for the insurance companies to pay the roofer directly rather than the homeowner.
• It would really make sense for an insurance company to send the check to the patient for a non-emergency medical service provided that the patient for the cheapest Doctor.
• Doctor’s are more trustworthy than roofers?
• Homeowner’s are more trustworthy than roofers?
• Patients are more trustworthy than Doctors?
• Why do homeowner’s want 3 inspections from Doctors?
• Why do homeowner’s want 3 free inspections from roofers?
• Why do Doctor’s charge money for a visit?
• Why do homeowners expect a roofer to perform a house visit for free?
• Why do insurance companies pay Doctors for visits?
• Why not have insurance companies pay roofers for house visits?
• Why do homeowners get paid for work?
• Why do homeowners expect roofers to work for free?
• Why not ask for free medicine from your Pharmacists’?
• Why not ask for free Accountant services?
• Why not ask for free Doctor visits?
• Why not refuse to show any doctor a medical insurance claim?

Here’s an example of someone trying to profit from the insurance company.

Either he understands the insurance process and is willing to commit fraud or he doesn’t understand the process. Anyway, here’s someone that I think is trying to profit from the insurance claim.

“Hey Jerry. Sorry so slow to get back with you… crazy times and even though I’m old it never slows down. I wanted to hire you guys but I’m a very shrewd guy when it comes to finance. I was turned off by you just copying my insurance claim amount?? I want an inspection based on a contractors inspection and competition for the work. It’s my understanding that Integrity just charges the amount the insurance company paid out. Not a good deal necessarily for me and I always shop for deals. Sorry to waste your time but I’d heard great reviews about your work so wanted to consider you.”    V/r Ed Sent from my iPhone

The following is my reply to Ed’s request.

6 days
Jerry Fristoe 9/21/16 6:42 PM
Subject: RE: Re: Integrity Roofing and Painting
To:
Hi Ed, If the insurance company has given you all the money up front it’s legal to keep whatever is left over. On the other hand if the insurance company has held back depreciation that’s a different story. Our reviews are accurate that’s why we don’t compete on price and are financially capable of delivering high quality. We make roof replacements easy! We have a staff with a former adjuster and  former insurance staffer, therefore we don’t try to beat the system we work within the insurance restoration industry. We are not in the roofing industry we are in the insurance restoration industry. Thanks for your reply.

Insurance Adjuster’s get Paint Hundreds of Dollars per Roof Inspection and Inspection

We have yet to see a reason to give “free inspections” during the aftermath of the largest hailstorm in the modern history of Colorado Springs. If a homeowner would like to pay us for a detailed written inspection than we may be able to perform this service. If we were paid the same amount of money as an independent insurance adjuster we’d be happy to write an inspection. An independent insurance adjuster that makes $300-$1,000 on writing insurance claims during this storms may or may not be happy. Several of the adjusters even have an angry tone toward homeowners while making several thousand dollars per day writing inspections.

Is it Unreasonable to Request a Free Roof Inspection

Why not offer to pay your local roofer $200 for their services. The insurance adjuster was paid more money than $200 to write their inspection. It’s only fair to do the same for the roofer. It’s unfair to ask the roofer at this time to do the same job that has already been done by the adjuster, which happened to get paid a King’s ransom for adjusting the roof.

Why Not Allow the Contractor to Work Off the Claim

Your Doctor works off the claim proceeds and will even bill you what the insurance company doesn’t pay. Why not allow a roofer to work off the claim and to bill the insurance company what they didn’t pay, rather than billing you?

Here’s the rub for a homeowner it will be harder to have a competent contractor oversee multiple trades that may be required to restore your home to pre-storm condition. The industry is in chaos and ultimately the homeowner will pay.

Roofing Contractor’s are Competing for Insurance Work

I’m not politically correct and Donald Trump is one gutsy guy, but when it comes to roofing even Donald would have a hard time cleaning up the mess in the insurance restoration industry. There are roofers Colorado Springs has never head of that have become General Contractor’s overnight. These roofing companies in Colorado Springs are competing for a slice of the work that can be found in the insurance roofing industry. There are other Colorado Springs roofer that have been in the industry for years that are adopting unsustainable business practices by performing repair work on gutters, windows, siding and painting without compensation.

Profitability and Sustainability

Every sage General Contractor that has some business acumen will not perform work without making a profit. Today insurance companies are writing claims and some roofing companies are performing all of the work without making a profit on the windows, siding, painting and other trades. This will ultimately harm most homeowners with lower quality work being performed. At some point in the process the roofer will most likely cut corners on one or all of the trades to try and make a profit somewhere.

If the insurance company is paying $2,000 for gutter work and the gutter installer is charging $2,000 or more than how can this General Contractor make a profit? If the insurance company is paying $5,000 for windows and the Roofer/General Contractor has to supplement for windows because the window installer wants $8,000 than who pays the roofer for his work? The answer is either the roofer has little business savvy or somewhere in the repair process corners will have to be cut drastically.

Insurance Companies Should Pay Overhead and Profit

Ask Your Insurance company to pay the contractor overhead and profit. This is the best way to avoid being short changed on your repairs. A workman is worth his wage. Most business men that are in the roofing restoration industry will not perform multiple trades without receiving overhead and profit. This should be seen as a positive for the insurance company and consumer alike. The consumer should receive high quality work at the current fair market value and the insurance property risk is minimized because the work was performed at high standards. This would be a win, win scenario for everyone, however many insurer’s will limit their outgoing expenses by minimizing the insurance claim which will result in mediocrity on the part of competitive contractors seeking work at an unfair market value typically resulting in poor quality work. These contractors are not business men and this practice will be unsustainable for the real overhead for a legitimate contractor that doesn’t cheat the IRS, Workmen’s compensation insurance, General liability insurance or his workers will have an unfair position in this market. There comes a point in a society where norms and mores change. Today bad is being called good and good is being called “bad.”

Unfair Trade Practice

The insurance industry has created an unfair trade which will ultimately result in chaotic behavior on behalf of the homeowner and contractor. A society will suffer from unrealistic expectations and false pre-tenses. Everything is not right in the present scenario and many insurance adjusters and companies act like they never paid overhead and profit to a contractor. We know different for we have former insurance staffers, adjusters, and plenty of documentation on the matter. Ultimately the homeowner will suffer and than businesses will be built on deception and most will go on believing that it has always been this way. There is an insurance storm that is coming and most property and casualty insurance companies will begin changing their policies to reflect cost saving efforts.

Poor Quality Work is Inevitable

Since your reading this article it’s obvious to me that your gathering information and are looking to make an informed decision. If your contractor tells you that he is unable to perform all of the work on an insurance claim because there is not enough funding you can rest in knowing that this contractor is on the right track. Why would you hire someone that’s not going to make a profit on some of the repair work that is being performed on your home? It’s logical to conclude that poor quality work is what is being guaranteed or you have a contractor that will more than likely be cheating on taxes, insurance, or workers, either way that’s a no win situation. Ultimately, the system is broke and I’d love to see it fixed. However, at this time everyone is too politically correct to fix anything. One thing that is guaranteed in most cases, but not all, is that poor quality or poor ethics will result from this broken property insurance claims system.

Who is to Blame?

The news media loves to blame and certainly in this heightened political atmosphere the blame game is blossoming. I think everyone is to be blamed for the current state of affairs. Too many voices are silent, others are oblivious, several participate in unsavory practices and the machine keeps producing puppets at the corporate level.

Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC assumes no liability for this editorial. This opinion is that of an individual and not of an entity. The facts and opinions of this individual are not the opinion of Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC.

Professional Independent Roofer

This is part two of whether or not you should hire your insurance companies’ roofer. Click here to view the information on the first post. Every vendor that is roofing Colorado Springs knows whether the following items are hypothetical or not. I happen to see the following information as experiential. Insurance companies are not the bad guys, they’re smart and as such the bottom line matters. Is it possible that your claim has something to do with the bottom line of your insurer?

Colorado House Bill 07-1104 Concerning referral by an insurance company of an insured to a property repair business

One of the purposes of this bill is to protect free trade in Colorado by preventing big business from controlling the market. This bill prohibits unfair and discriminatory insurance practices that impede free trade in the state of Colorado.

What if the insurance company exerts control over a roofing contractor to perform repairs instead of a total replacement?

When the insurer determines the scope of work, rather than a qualified contractor, the insurers logical incentive is to minimize expenses resulting in the potential of a rather narrow scope of work.

The following scenario happens time and time again. The homeowner chooses to go with the insurance companies preferred roofer. The insurance companies roofer comes out and evaluates the scope of work based upon insurance protocol and deems that a partial roof replacement or repair is satisfactory. At other times, the adjuster comes out and recommends the repair and the preferred roofing contractor will do as instructed.

HAAG certified roof inspector for an independent roofing company

The savvy homeowner gets the insurance claim summary report and decides to contact a reputable roofer for a second opinion. At the time of the inspection a determination is made based upon Haag Engineering roof inspection protocol that the entire roof has functional damage and the roof should be replaced. This experienced roofer that isn’t affiliated with the insurance company will bring to the attention of the insurance company the result of their findings and ask for a second inspection. Now, the homeowner has someone on their roof that is working directly for them.

A roofer is not an adjuster

A reputable roofing contractor has the ability to work directly for the homeowner without any strings attached to an insurance company. Every roofer that is listed on an insurance companies network of providers has a string attached to the insurance company and not the homeowner. A point of clarification is that a contractor isn’t allowed to function as an adjuster. These two can not be confused.

How does the insurance company respond to inferior work of a contractor on their network program?

I’ve read data from bad faith lawsuits that are tied to preferred contractor programs and the results may not be good for a homeowner. What I’m saying is, “if the insurance companies preferred roofer performs poorly and it results in a financial loss you’ll probably have to enter into litigation against both the contractor and insurance company.” The insurance companies vendor program clearly states they are not responsible for the outcome of the contractor’s work. How does a homeowner benefit from using a contractor on a vendor’s program when the very benefits that should be afforded to you are not realized?

Does the insurance preferred roofer work for you, the insurance company or another firm?

Insurance companies hire a firm that oversees companies that provide services for insurance companies risks. These providers range from glass installers, chimney repair men, painters, emergency water extraction, carpenters and roofers. The insurance company doesn’t oversee these companies they contract with a management company to oversee all of the contractors on the preferred vendors list.

How much money does it cost this roofer to be on a preferred vendors network?

It cost a roofer 10% of the job gross to be on some vendor programs

Vendors on many of the insurance companies preferred provider list pay a percentage of the claim to the overseeing provider to be on the vendors list. Yes, that’s right the roofing company that is on the insurance companies preferred vendors list gives up a percentage of income to be an insurance provider. The roofing company may see this as a great benefit because their volume of work increases significantly.

Denver roofing companies that are insurance providers are placed under a great deal of stress and time constraints to perform exactly as the contract states. Preferred roofing companies depend upon continued insurance work. When confronted with what’s best for the homeowner, it’s easier to remain silent and do what the insurance company has instructed them to do. How does this benefit a homeowner? It doesn’t.

Contract law will prohibit the roofer from revealing sensitive information about policies and procedures of the inner workings and arrangements between the roofer and insurance company. Hey, I’m not being a conspiracy theorists, but who’s to say that this is really best for you? You’ll have to decide, if the insurance companies roofing contractor withholds information how that might be beneficial to you. The insurance companies roofer works for the insurance company and not you.

To confirm whether or not my information is accurate, please look online at attorney’s that litigate against insurance companies and you’ll see that this information is indeed factual.

Tell me more

This is my perspective and only my opinion, but I see this as an issue. Let me explain. I’ll start from a slightly different angle and zero in on the answer. I live in Monument and there are several new home builders in the area. Each one of these builders that I’ve stopped by their job sites is only installing one row of ice and water shield on the eave of the roof. In Colorado Springs the governing building code jurisdiction is Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Pikes Peak Regional Building Department requires that every living space that is above seven thousand feet to have ice and water shield installed on that property. The requirements state that the ice and water shield is to be installed on the eave of the property. The Monument Colorado home builders are installing ice and water shield on the eave of these roofs. Everything looks great and it appears to be installed according to code, however there’s an issues. The eaves of these homes are twenty four inches wide and the walls are approximately one foot thick once the stucco is finished. We have a total of three feet from the roof fascia to the inside of the interior wall. Code requires that the ice and water shield extend to two feet inside of the interior living space. Essentially in order for these builders to install these roofs according to building code they would need to install two rows of ice and water shield on the roofs eaves. I’ve visited many building sites in Monument Colorado and have yet to see a new home builder properly install ice and water shield per code requirements. Pikes Peak regional building department doesn’t require a mid-roof inspection so these builders allow there roofers to cheat the system. The builders don’t install the roofs they only hire roofers that make a very small amount of money per each roof install. Yet, each roofer installs a large volume of roofs per their contract so they will do this for very little profit. In essence the builder isn’t installing an inferior roof, it’s his roofer. This system will continue as long as the roofers make such a low percentage of income. The bad news is that most every new homebuyer in Monument is getting a roof that is inferior to present day building code requirements.

Vendor system

The system that the insurance companies have in place may result with similar outcomes. Let’s revisit the following information. The insurance company recommends a roofing company, yet the insurance carrier in no way guarantees the roofers work. Wow, how does that benefit you the homeowner? Maybe, it does or maybe it doesn’t benefit you at all. 
The vendor program turnover rate for roofers is very high.
Ok, you say that the contractor gives a five year labor warranty. The issue isn’t that the roofer gives a five year warranty, the real issue is that the insurance company has a preferred provider list and they are not responsible for the work. So, how does it benefit you to allow a roofing contractor that is on the preferred vendors list to install your roof?

As a independent contractor, that has been roofing Colorado Springs, Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC would recommend that you consider working with someone that has no strings attached to the insurer. Contact Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC for your roofing needs.

Before we explore this question, please understand that by law every homeowner has the right to use the contractor of your choice. Don’t be pressured into using your insurance agents friend or a contractor that is sent out from your insurance company. The chose is up to you. The question still remains, “should I hire my insurance companies roofer?”

This is a question that many Colorado homeowner’s have to address after a hailstorm, wind storm or other weather related events. In all practical aspects it would seem that this would be a good idea, but is it? Whether the roofing company is on a preferred vendors list or network program the insurance company assumes no liability for the quality of work. Additionally, if a roofing company is a preferred provider for an insurance company there are probably strings attached. You’ll have to decide if working with a preferred vendor is right for you. Please look at Colorado House Bill 07-1104. You can choose any contractor that you want. An insurance agent, adjuster or vendor is not to coerce a homeowner into using an insurance vendor. This is a legal issue and can be tried as such in the court of law.

You don’t have to use your insurance companies’ roofer

The state of Colorado allows the insured the right to choose a contractor.

Colorado House Bill 07-1104

Briefly, let’s look at why insurance companies may suggest that you use their preferred contractor.

Insurance companies vendor programs typically state they can help the homeowner in the following ways:

• Time will be saved when using their vendor
• The vendor meets insurance criteria
• The insurance vendors will personally give a five year warranty

Let’s look at the following information to see how using a preferred vendor saves the insurance company time and money. The homeowner isn’t the one that usually benefits from this arrangement. But, in all fairness the preferred vendor program may still be right for you.

Is saving time really your goal in the insurance claims process?

Insurance companies state that their preferred vendor or any roofer on their network of contractors will save you time. The insurer’s presupposition sounds like, if you work with their contractor than it will save you time. What a nice and inviting proposition, which may result in a quick yes from a homeowner. Please consider that this may actually be bad news and an unintended result for you.  The insurance contractor is going to follow insurance protocol, even if it’s to your detriment. You may want to consider the following.

It may be to your advantage to work with a non-insurance vendor who will report accurate findings on the scope of repairs that are really necessary rather than doing the minimum amount of repairs, which would financially benefit the insurer. The insurance vendor must follow insurance protocol. The strings that are attached will cause the vendor to not share their personal recommendation when the adjuster has already adjusted the claim for scope of repairs. The insurance vendor wants more work from the insurance company and even if they disagree with the adjuster’s findings they will be more apt to accept the insurers findings. Who is it that a homeowner wants to work with after a storm? That’s really a good question and one that you may need to investigate.

Saving time is certainly on most everyone’s to do list. However, saving time shouldn’t be the goal in the claims process. Restoring the property to pre-storm condition in a timely manner is a worthy goal.

Insurance vendor programs have a high turn over rate

The turnover rate on the roofer vendor program is reported as being high. The preferred roofing contractor will be working at a disadvantage most of the time. In order to work as a vendor they will work for less than present day fair market value. Typically, the contractor will be working with an Xactimate price that has been reduced by the insurance carrier.

Xactimate is the standard price estimating software in the insurance restoration industry. Insurance adjusters use this program to build an insurance loss statement. Contractors that are on a PSP program often times are paid less than the present day market value for a roof replacement. The preferred contractor has no incentive to use high quality products on the roof. In order to survive they may resort to using less than quality materials and unfavorable trade practices.

Insurance companies have a high turn over rate of preferred vendors. These contractors either go out of business or leave the preferred insurance network. There is no incentive for the contractors to produce high quality work while making low profit margins. The only benefit for a vendor is the possibility of a high volume of work, but with low profit margins how can a vendor stay in business?

Does the fact that the contractor passed the insurance companies’ vetting process to meet insurance criteria guarantee good work?

The answer is “no.”

If you’re really considering an insurance vendor and the vendor goes out of business will the insurance company honor the roofer’s 5-year warranty?

If you’re still considering working with an insurance provider ask them:
How many years have you been in business?
How many years have you worked with my insurance company?
How many roofs have you installed while working with my insurance company?

Ok, the insurer’s preferred roofer provides a five year warranty. That sounds good, but a five year warranty must be specifically defined. If the extent of liability for a roofer’s labor defect only results in a repair than that’s not much of a labor warranty.

The profit margin of an insurance companies’ preferred roofing contractor is minimum at best. In order to survive inferior methods and products may be used. The quickest warranty repair is for a roofing contractor to apply a mastic sealant on top of a leaky area and call it fixed. We see this all of the time and this is not a professional solution.

With the low margins and unlikelihood of sustainability, is a five year warranty of any value to a roof system that probably has inferior products and installation methods? Will the insurance company honor a five year roofer warranty when they go out of business?

Working with a local roofer without insurance ties may result in the highest quality roof and service

There is no need for you to meet with many contractors. If you already like your roofing contractor, have them do the work. We make a similar decision each time we visit our physician. There is no need to interview many medical providers. Whenever we’re sick or injured we seek immediate medical attention without interviewing many providers. Both, roofer and physician are in the insurance industry. Why not do the same thing with your roofer. Continue using the same roofer if you’ve been satisfied with their services.

Every experienced roofer in our community has the capacity to work with the insurance company and to do the things that are beneficial for you. Remember, if they don’t work for the insurance company then they work for you.

Integrity Roofing and Painting is one of the many roofing companies in Denver, however one of the things that sets us apart is that we have a former insurance adjuster on staff. In addition, several of our project managers are certified by Haag Engineering for roof inspections. If we can be of assistance please contact Integrity Roofing and Painting.

Of course, these observations that have been made are in no way desiring to speak of any roofing company or insurance company with malicious intent. This information is from personal experience, observations and research. These opinions are not the opinions of Integrity Roofing and Painting or Integrity Roofing and Painting, LLC.

Deductible Increase is Expected in Colorado

We have, however, noticed an increase in the number of deductibles that are being set based on a 1% value of the home here in the Colorado market. We have also have seen a trend in which several large insurance companies follow suit after a major competitor has successfully made such a change in their policies without too much resistance. My expectation is that once this became an accepted practice by some in our industry, we will see most insurance companies doing the same. Be sure to plan ahead with your budge to be able to pay for your deductible when the time arises.

Of course, deductibles are not the only factor in choosing an insurance company, but it does impact you significantly when filing a claim. It is worth asking your agent upon renewal what their current policy is on deductibles and what the forecast is for basis of deductibles in the near future. Your agent should be able to share specific details with you on your property insurance and what changes you may be facing.

New Polices May Depreciate Roof Values

A couple years ago Allstate rolled out a pilot program in Oklahoma. Since that time they’ve implemented the same procedures in over twenty states. Allstate homeowner’s policies in these areas and with their new program will only pay for full replacement cost of a roof that is less than ten years old. Every roof that is ten years or older will be valued at a depreciated amount or the actual cash value. This may help to keep premiums down, but when you go to replace an eleven year old roof after a major storm you’ll be in for a surprise.

Additional Deductible for Hail and Wind

Another trend is for insurance companies to create a separate deductible for hail and wind claims. In other parts of the country 2% wind and hail deductibles are becoming common. Take the time to read your Homeowner’s Declaration page at policy renewal to investigate whether or not any of these changes have taken place. The insurance company only has to send you notification of changes. It’s not going to be that obvious when these changes occur. Most likely you’ll have to do the research. It’s highly unlikely that you’re agent is going to give you a personal call to let you know about any of these changes. The agent wants to keep his or her clients and it seems that it might be easier if they don’t make a personal call to notify you of these changes. Our experience in the field is that most of our roofing clients are shocked after a storm. They had no idea that their deductible had increased.

Roofing Company in Colorado Springs

As a roofing company in Colorado Springs, Integrity Roofing and Painting is determined to share this information to our community before you’re caught off guard. Here at Integrity Roofing and Painting we like to say, “expect the unexpected”. I’m here to say that many changes will take place in the property and casualty insurance  policies and procedures. There are many insurance sources online which can assist you in making the best decision for you and your family. I like to the visit the re-insurers websites and insurers websites to get a pulse on the market. Another place that I find good content on what insurance companies are doing is the websites of insurance adjusting firms. One thing is for sure, change is coming. Contact Integrity Roofing and Painting for your roofing needs.