H. B. 1183 PROHIBITS ROOFERS FROM ACTING AS ADJUSTERS
In 2013, Texas passed and enacted a law that clearly defines the separate roles of roofers and adjusters and prevents professionals from acting as both. House Bill 1183 became effective on September 1, 2013 in an effort to protect individuals or associations from contractors who offer roofing and claim adjusting services. Laws separating roofers from adjusters were added to the Texas Insurance Code under sections 4101.251 and 4102.163. Section 4101.25 states that a licensed adjuster cannot provide their services in the context of a loss related to damages to a roof if they are also offering roofing services to the same client. This section also prevents roofers from offering services as an adjuster to a client who is already using their services as a roofer. Section 4102.163 prevents roofers from offering services as public adjusters. Both laws apply to roofers regardless of whether or not they are properly licensed as contractors.
H.B. 1183 requires you to hire two different professionals to handle roof damages. You are going to need a roofer who provides services such as fixing, maintaining or restoring roofs. You will also need a reliable adjuster to assess the extent of the damages. A public adjuster should be properly licensed by the Texas department of insurance and will negotiate with your insurance provider to make sure your claim corresponds to the extent of the damages.
You can avoid scams by not trusting roofing contractors who claim to have some knowledge and experience when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. Some contractors may have a valid public adjuster license but H.B. 1183 prohibits them from offering both services. You need to carefully go over the contract you sign with your roofer. There might be hidden clauses that give the roofer permission to deal with your insurance provider. You also need to make sure the contract you sign with your roofer clearly states how much you will pay them. Some roofers will try getting you to sign a contract that states they will receive the entirety of the insurance claim without specifying an amount. Do not sign a contract that includes a clause stating the contractor will receive a percentage of the claim in case you decide to cancel the contract and not use their services as a roofer. This usually indicates the contractor plans on negotiating with the insurance company.
If you need a public adjuster to help you deal with your insurance provider, you should contact us at Timmons Consulting Group. We can help residential and commercial property owner get the claim they deserve.
