BREAKING NEWS!
COUNCILMAN MANNY PELAEZ IS WARNING HOMEOWNERS ABOUT HAIL STORM SCAMS
WERE YOU HIT BY THE HAIL STORMS?
IS YOUR ROOFER LICENSED? IS THE ADJUSTER LEGITIMATE?
On Saturday, north San Antonio was hit by some severe hail storms. In some of our neighborhoods, the hail was as big as baseballs. We are getting reports from homeowners that their homes and vehicles were severely damaged.
We are also hearing that many of you are starting to get phone calls and door-to-door sales visits from roofers and so-called insurance claim-handlers. BEWARE OF SCAMS!!
Many of these roofers are unlicensed, uninsured, and unbounded. Many of these insurance claim handlers are also unlicensed and are out to steal your insurance benefits before you even receive them.
Here are some tips to help you get your homes fixed and to help you avoid scams:
- If someone is knocking on your door to sell you a service, it’s almost guaranteed to be a scam. You didn’t buy your insurance policy from a door-to-door salesman – why would you choose a door-to-door salesman to handle your insurance claim?
- Just because the person on the phone says they are from the “claims department,” the “claims headquarters,” or an adjuster’s office doesn’t mean you have to talk to them or that they are legitimate.
- Just because a roofer is fixing your neighbor’s roof doesn’t mean the roofer has a license or that the roofer can back up a warranty. Do your research – ask for proof of a license and demand to see a copy of their insurance coverage.
- The City of San Antonio maintains a database of licensed roofers. If they are not on the list, they are not licensed. You can search our DATABASE to check if the roofer is licensed.
- You MUST obtain a city permit to replace or repair your roof. Usually the permits are approved within 24 hours IF the permit is submitted by a registered roofer. You can learn about roof permits HERE.
- If a roofer tells you that a license and a permit are not required, that roofer is LYING TO YOU and it’s a scam.
- Do not allow a roofer or an adjuster to endorse checks for you. A legitimate roofer or claims-handler will never ask you for permission to sign your name.
- Never EVER sign an attorney engagement agreement if the agreement is handed to you by a roofer or a claims-handler. It’s a scam and it is a very serious criminal violation of barratry laws.
- If the claims-handler or the roofer promises they will negotiate a complete roof replacement for you, you are not dealing with an honest person. They should never make guarantees like that as it is impossible to know what the insurance company will cover or what it won’t.
- If your insurance company denies your claim, you still have rights. Consult with a licensed and experienced attorney about your options. Also, just because an attorney has a 1-800 number or TV ads does not mean they are experienced or honest. All it means is that they have money for an advertising firm. Do your research and ask for references.
Lastly, there are plenty of honest roofers and independent professional adjusters that can help you with repairs and claims. Feel free to call our office for more tips and ideas on how to identify the right professional to help you. In the end, you owe it to your family and your pocketbook to be an informed consumer.
Respectfully,
Councilman Manny Pelaez
The Roanoke 