What roof replacement insurance scams should you watch for?

1. The deductible deal

Waiving, absorbing, or rebating your deductible, including disguised versions like sign fees or referral payments, is illegal for contractors in Georgia. See deductible rules.

2. Signing away the claim at the door

Some contracts assign your insurance benefits to the contractor, letting it deal with the insurer and collect payments directly. Under O.C.G.A. 10-1-393(b)(36), it is an unfair practice for a contractor to take an assignment of insurance proceeds within one year of a declared natural disaster. Outside that window an assignment is a binding contract, so read every document for words like assign, direction to pay, or authorization to negotiate before signing. See assignment of benefits in Georgia.

3. Deposit and disappear

Out of town crews follow big hailstorms, collect deposits or the first insurance check, and leave before the work is done, or do it badly and vanish before warranty problems appear.

4. Inflated or invented damage

Padding the scope, creating damage, or using another roof's photos. You sign the claim, so you carry the risk.

5. Corner cutting on the build

Reusing old flashing, skipping drip edge or ice and water barrier the estimate paid for, or laying new shingles over old ones when the estimate paid for tear off. Ask for photos during the job.

Protections Georgia gives you

• If your contract depends on insurance and the claim is denied, you can cancel under O.C.G.A. 10-1-393.12; check the cancellation window in your contract.
• The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner takes complaints, including about suspected fraud.

Simple defenses

Choose a local company with verifiable reviews, never pay in full up front, compare the insurer's estimate with what was installed, and read more in storm chaser scams.