Here at Brown’s Roofing, we believe an informed homeowner is an empowered homeowner. That’s why we’re keeping a close eye on a new piece of legislation moving through the Louisiana State Capitol – House Bill 121 (HB 121) – which could significantly change how you interact with roofing contractors when filing an insurance claim after a storm.
We want to break down what this proposed bill means, what supporters are saying, what concerns have been raised, and how it might affect you.
What is House Bill 121 All About?
Sponsored by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, HB 121 aims to limit the role roofing contractors can play in the insurance claim process. The bill, which recently cleared the House Committee on Insurance, proposes several key changes:
- No Claims Handling Services: Roofing contractors would be barred from providing, advertising, or soliciting services related to handling insurance claims.
- Contingency Contracts Prohibited: Contracts for roofing work that are dependent on insurance approval would no longer be allowed.
- Adjuster Restrictions: Insurance adjusters would be prevented from performing any construction work on claims they manage.
Why is This Bill Being Proposed?
Supporters of HB 121, including some lawmakers and insurance companies, argue these changes are necessary to:
- Restore Trust: They believe it will reduce potential conflicts of interest.
- Lower Premiums: The hope is that it could contribute to more affordable insurance coverage.
- Curb Questionable Practices: Concerns have been raised about some contractors potentially encouraging unnecessary claims or exaggerating damage to secure jobs, especially after major storms. Committee Chairman Gabe Firment stated, “I think we’ve got to get back to roofers being tradesmen and not salesmen.”
Concerns from the Roofing Industry & Potential Impact on Homeowners
While we understand the desire to protect consumers, many reputable roofing professionals, including our colleagues across Louisiana, have significant concerns about HB 121. Here’s why:
- Losing a Valuable Guide: Let’s face it, insurance policies and claims processes can be incredibly confusing. Reputable roofers often act as a crucial guide for homeowners, helping them understand the scope of damage, what their policy might cover, and how to navigate the initial steps. As Josh Lovell from Gator Roofing pointed out, “If we can’t even talk about any of the process, then you’re just giving all the power to the insurance company.”
- Risk of Underpaid or Denied Claims: Without a knowledgeable roofer to help identify all legitimate storm-related damage and explain it in terms an adjuster understands, homeowners might not receive a fair settlement. They might not even realize they can dispute a denial or seek a second opinion on the damage assessment.
- Unintended Consequences for Ethical Contractors: Johnathan Davis of the Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana warned that the bill’s current language is vague. It could potentially put ethical contractors at legal risk for simply doing their job, like sending a detailed estimate directly to an insurance adjuster on behalf of a homeowner.
- The “Public Adjuster” Alternative: While some proponents suggest homeowners hire licensed public adjusters for disputes, this can be an added expense and potentially complicate the claims process further for homeowners already under stress.
Our Stance at Brown’s Roofing
At Brown’s Roofing, we’ve always prioritized honesty, integrity, and advocating for our customers’ best interests. We believe in:
- Thorough Inspections: Providing comprehensive assessments of your roof’s condition.
- Clear Communication: Explaining our findings in plain language and detailing necessary repairs.
- Transparent Estimates: Offering fair and detailed quotes for high-quality work.
- Empowering You: Helping you understand the damage so you can have informed conversations with your insurance provider.
We believe that an experienced, ethical roofer plays a vital role in ensuring homeowners understand the extent of their storm damage and can provide the necessary documentation for their insurer. The goal should be to weed out bad actors, not to hinder legitimate contractors from assisting homeowners in a confusing and often stressful time.
What’s Next for HB 121?
The bill is now set to move to the House floor for further debate. Lawmakers have acknowledged some of the concerns raised by roofing professionals and hinted at potential amendments to clarify its provisions, hopefully ensuring contractors can still perform essential services like submitting estimates without legal repercussions.
Stay Informed with Brown’s Roofing
We will continue to monitor HB 121 and its potential impact on Louisiana homeowners. Our commitment is to you – providing top-quality roofing services and being a trusted resource for our community.
If you have questions about your roof’s condition, especially after a storm, please don’t hesitate to contact Brown’s Roofing for a professional inspection and honest assessment. We’re here to help you protect your home, within all current and future regulatory guidelines.
