Ulysses Alvarado said a Nationwide Roofing salesperson told him the company would handle his insurance claim and that he would not have to pay the deductible. His claim was initially denied, later settled for $18,000, and became the subject of a dispute over additional payment and a $4,600 cancellation demand.
Nationwide Roofing said it never waives deductibles, that its contract terms and cancellation fees are fully disclosed, and that Alvarado refused to allow the company to complete its contract.
The deductible promise came first
Alvarado said he was told, “You won't have to pay a dime.” Nationwide Roofing denied that it waives deductibles.
Those conflicting accounts make the written contract especially important. A homeowner considering a storm-damage roof contract should identify what the contractor says the homeowner will pay, whether that promise appears in writing, and what the insurance policy requires.
Insurance expert Tom Cotton warned that an offer to pay an insurance deductible should raise suspicion because it is a promise the contractor cannot keep.
The denied claim led to an $18,000 settlement
Alvarado said his initial claim was denied. Nationwide Roofing then sent a public adjuster to make the claim. Alvarado said he first met the adjuster at his front door after the claim had settled for $18,000, when he was asked to endorse the check so fees could be taken from it.
Alvarado said Nationwide Roofing then wanted $5,000 more than the settlement, plus the deductible. He obtained another estimate that was lower for the same new roof and considered hiring a different contractor.
A lower estimate may compare the price of the roof itself, but it does not answer what payment, if any, may be due under an earlier signed agreement. In Alvarado's account, the public adjuster became involved after the denial, and the claim later settled before he sought another estimate.
Read any clause that affects insurance money
Tom Cotton said Alvarado's agreement gave Nationwide Roofing control over his insurance money. Nationwide Roofing said its terms were fully disclosed.
Before signing, locate contract language that addresses who may handle insurance proceeds, whether anyone may endorse or direct an insurance check, the role of a public adjuster, and what happens to payment if the claim is denied, settled, or the contract ends.
If contract language gives another party authority involving an insurance claim or payment, consider having a qualified attorney review it before signing.
The cancellation clause was a separate dispute
The cancellation provision shown in Alvarado's contract stated that, if the customer cancelled, the customer would pay the company $2,000 or 20% of the contract price, whichever was greater, as liquidated damages. Alvarado said Nationwide Roofing demanded $4,600 to cancel, and he disputed the fee.
Nationwide Roofing said Alvarado refused to allow it to complete the contract. Alvarado disputed the cancellation fee. Neither account establishes the final amount owed.
This case turns on three documents-and-payment questions: what was promised about the deductible, who could control insurance money, and what cancellation language the homeowner accepted.
Keep the roof work and claim services clear
A roof contract should clearly separate the installation scope from any claim-related services, payment terms, and cancellation language. Directorii lists verified contractors.
Source: How Storm Chasers Ruining Roofing Industry in Florida
FAQ
What did Nationwide Roofing say about deductible waivers?
Nationwide Roofing said it never waives deductibles. Alvarado said a salesperson told him he would not have to pay the deductible, so the accounts conflict.
What happened after Alvarado's claim was denied?
Nationwide Roofing sent a public adjuster to make the claim. Alvarado said the claim later settled for $18,000 and that he first met the adjuster after the settlement, when he was asked to endorse the check so fees could be taken from it.
What did Alvarado say Nationwide Roofing wanted after the settlement?
Alvarado said Nationwide Roofing wanted $5,000 more than the $18,000 settlement, plus the deductible. He then sought another estimate for the roof.
What cancellation term appeared in the contract?
The provision shown stated that a customer who cancelled would pay $2,000 or 20% of the contract price, whichever was greater, as liquidated damages. Alvarado said Nationwide Roofing later demanded $4,600, which he disputed.
What insurance-payment language should a homeowner find before signing?
Find terms addressing who may handle insurance proceeds, endorse or direct an insurance check, involve a public adjuster, and seek payment if a claim is denied, settled, or the contract ends.
