In short, no. Despite any debate, this practice is not acceptable, and it's vital to steer clear of unethical contractors. Your insurance carrier won't endorse this, and a deductible covering contractor won't disclose such details on an invoice.
Here are some crucial facts to consider before engaging with a company that offers to cover part or all of your deductible. We'll outline important sections of the law and standard insurance contracts for your understanding. Please note, we provide no legal opinion or advice.
While there's a lot of fine print in an insurance contract, the basics are clear. You pay a monthly premium for coverage, exchanging it for protection against significant losses. Insurance doesn't cover every minor loss, hence a deductible amount must be surpassed before the insurance comes into play. This deductible always takes precedence.
For instance, if your deductible is $1,500.00 and you incur a loss less than that, your insurance owes you nothing. You cover the first $1,500.00 of any loss. Even if your home sustains a major loss, like hail damage totaling $12,000.00, your insurance would only owe you $10,500.00 after deducting your $1,500.00 deductible.
Consider the above example. What if a roofer quotes $10,500.00 for a job your adjuster estimated at $12,000.00? Have you saved your deductible? No. Your deductible always comes first. So, if the job costs $10,500.00, your insurance would only owe you $9,000.00. Finding a lower price doesn't save your deductible unless you submit a false invoice, which can lead to severe consequences if discovered.
Below is some actual language from a standard insurance contract, with variations found in every homeowner's policy.
Stay informed and ensure your roofing contractor operates within ethical and legal boundaries to avoid any potential issues down the line.
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