The insurance industry and roofing contractors have had a long-standing love-hate relationship, with disputes and conflicts often arising over claims and coverage. However, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. To shed light on this complex dynamic, we turn to Reggie Brock, a seasoned roofing professional with over 26 years of experience in the insurance business.
Reggie has worked closely with top roofing insurance claim officers and smaller insurance companies, giving him a unique perspective on the motivations behind carriers’ actions. In this blog post, we’ll explore five factors that roofing insurance carriers seek from roofers to foster a harmonious relationship that benefits all parties involved, particularly the homeowner.
What do Carriers Really Want From Roofers?
The relationship between insurance carriers and roofers is a delicate dance. As homeowners look to these entities for assistance with roof repairs, carriers seek factors that can lead to a smoother process for their policyholders. However, the drama and conflicts that often arise can make the entire experience stressful for everyone involved.
While it’s true that carriers might not always act with pure motives, it’s essential to find ways to collaborate with them instead of engaging in constant battles. After all, both roofers and roofing insurance carriers share a common interest—the welfare of the policyholder, i.e., the homeowner. Rather than alienating one another, fostering a working relationship is key to a more productive outcome for all parties.
Dear Roofer, Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You?
Roofers who heavily rely on insurance work need to consider the consequences of antagonizing carriers. While it’s important to stand up for what’s fair, excessively fighting against carriers could lead to the loss of business opportunities. Insurance companies face their own set of challenges, and finding common ground can be more beneficial in the long run.
Unethical practices, such as exaggerating claims, may offer short-term gains, but they can severely damage a roofer’s reputation in the long term. Instead of approaching carriers with hostility, trying to understand their requirements and motivations can lead to a more constructive relationship.
On Carriers and Roofing Repair Programs
With increasing equity in the roofing industry, there’s a growing interest in partnering with roofing insurance carriers through direct or managed repair programs. This trend has led to competition between Managed Repair Programs (MRPs) and Direct Repair Programs (DRPs). The geographical coverage of the carrier plays a significant role in the number of claims going through these programs.
Homeowners must be aware of these programs and their implications. Contractors should educate homeowners about these programs and help them navigate the complexities of their policies. Building trust and providing valuable information to homeowners can lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.
The Homeowner’s Due Diligence Clause
Homeowners often find themselves on the losing end of the spectrum when they fail to understand their homeowner policy’s due diligence clause. This clause can give carriers the upper hand, enabling them to deny future claims if the homeowner doesn’t report damage promptly.
As a roofer, it’s crucial to educate homeowners about this clause and encourage them to report any potential damages promptly. By being proactive and ensuring homeowners understand their responsibilities, you can strengthen your relationship with them and build trust.
Educate Your Homeowner
A key aspect of fostering a better relationship with carriers is to educate homeowners about their policies and the insurance process. Rather than rushing to file claims, take the time to provide valuable information to homeowners, making them feel empowered and well-informed.
Position yourself as a trustworthy expert by presenting accurate and up-to-date information about insurance carriers. This approach not only helps homeowners make better decisions but also enhances your credibility as a roofer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the insurance industry and roofing contractors can achieve a more positive and fruitful relationship by understanding each other’s needs and collaborating effectively. Rather than engaging in constant conflict, roofers can benefit from building a strong, professional rapport with carriers, while homeowners receive the best possible service.
If you’re a roofer looking to thrive in the insurance-based roofing business, take the time to learn about roofing insurance carriers’ requirements and motivations. By educating homeowners and positioning yourself as a reliable partner, you can enhance your business’s reputation and establish a thriving roofing enterprise.
So, let’s strive for harmony and collaboration in the roofing industry—where everyone wins, especially the homeowners! Feel free to watch this space for more exciting updates about roofers and insurance companies.
