After hail damage, a Florida homeowner may be offered an assignment of benefits, or AOB, form along with a roof claim proposal. Do not treat that form as ordinary paperwork. Read what it says you are assigning before you sign.
The central dispute is not whether every contractor or insurer acts the same way. It is whether the claim amount reflects the roof work and what control a homeowner gives up when an AOB is signed.
Hail can damage roofs in Florida
Hail does occur in Florida, including storms with large hail. A roof concern after a storm should not be dismissed simply because someone says hail is uncommon in the state.
At the same time, a hailstorm does not answer every question about a roof claim. The condition of the roof, the work proposed, and the insurer's decision are separate issues. Keep photographs, weather information you already have, and written roof documents together.
An AOB is not a label to skim past
Anthony Siviglia described an AOB as assigning the homeowner's role in the claim process to the roofer. That description was challenged, including the claim that roofers routinely seek to double a roof price.
The disagreement makes one practical point especially important: the wording of the form matters. Before signing a Florida roof claim assignment of benefits form, identify exactly which rights or benefits the document says are being assigned. If its wording is unclear, pause and get a clear explanation or review it with counsel.
Start with the roof price in writing
Siviglia used a hypothetical roof that costs $30,000 but is claimed at $60,000. The opposing view rejected that scenario as unrealistic and argued that roofers often use the same estimating software as insurers.
Neither position determines the price of your roof. Ask for the roof estimate in writing and retain the insurer's written estimate or decision. A difference between those documents should be explained through the work proposed for the property, not through a promise that insurance will pay.
If an insurer pays less than the contractor's claimed amount, understand what the signed documents say happens next. Do not rely on a verbal assurance that there will be no cost to you or that a claim result is guaranteed.
Three questions to answer before signing
- What rights or benefits does this AOB say I am assigning?
- What roof price is being claimed, and what written estimate supports it?
- What does the agreement say happens if the insurer pays less than the amount sought?
Request an unsigned copy of every document and compare it with the written roof estimate before making a decision. Directorii lists verified contractors.
Source: Hail in Florida: Roofing Fraud or Insurance Greed?
FAQ
What is a Florida roof claim assignment of benefits form?
An assignment of benefits, or AOB, is a form connected to insurance benefits or the claim process. Read the specific document to identify exactly which rights or benefits it says are being assigned.
Does hail occur in Florida?
Yes. Florida can have hailstorms, including storms with large hail. Whether a particular roof has damage and whether a claim is paid are separate questions.
Why should I compare the roofer's estimate with the insurer's estimate?
A disagreement over price does not establish that either side is correct. Compare the written documents and ask for an explanation of differences in the roof work proposed for the property.
What should I ask before signing an AOB for a roof claim?
Ask what rights or benefits the form assigns, what price is being claimed for the roof work, and what the agreement says will happen if the insurer pays less than the amount sought.
Should I rely on a promise that insurance will pay for my roof?
No. Keep the proposed roof work and the claim decision separate. Review the written estimate, the AOB language, and any insurer decision rather than relying only on verbal assurances.
