Before you sign anything a roofer hands you

The paper decides who controls your claim and your insurance money. Several states give you a short window to cancel, and it starts when you sign.

What is probably happening

• An assignment of benefits (AOB) hands your insurance claim, and the right to be paid on it, to the contractor.
• A 'contingency agreement' binds you to use that contractor if the insurer approves the claim, often at whatever the insurer pays.
• A 'we handle the claim for you' promise is, in Florida, a roofer acting as an unlicensed public adjuster (F.S. 489.147).

Do this in the next five minutes

1. Do not sign today. Take the paper inside and read every line, especially anything about 'assign', 'benefits', 'proceeds', 'contingent' or 'deductible'.
2. In Florida: if your policy was issued on or after 1 January 2023, an AOB on it is not allowed at all (F.S. 627.7152). On older policies you may rescind within 14 days by written notice.
3. In Colorado: you may rescind a roofing contract and get a full refund of any deposit within 72 hours (C.R.S. 6-22-103).
4. In Texas: anyone offering to waive your deductible is breaking state law (TDI). Walk away.
5. Anywhere: call your state insurance department's consumer line before you sign anything that mentions your claim.
6. If you already signed, send written notice to cancel today and photograph proof of sending.

Do not

• Do not accept a rebate, gift card, cash or waived deductible in return for an inspection or for filing a claim. Florida lists each of these as a prohibited practice with fines up to $10,000 per offense.
• Do not let the contractor speak to your insurer in your place. The TDI says to be present for the adjuster's inspection.
• Do not pay a deposit before materials are on site. Colorado requires roofers to hold payment in trust until materials are delivered or most of the work is done.

Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out

Tap each one as you ask it.

• Is anything in this contract an assignment of benefits or a contingency, and what happens if I do not sign it?
• Will you be handling, negotiating or advising on my insurance claim in any way?
• Are you offering to cover any part of my deductible?
• What is my cancellation right under this contract, in days, and where is it written?

End the call if

• The words 'assign' or 'assignment of benefits' anywhere in the paperwork.
• A deductible offer of any kind.
• A refusal to leave the contract with you overnight.