A free roof inspection can lead to a useful estimate. It should not mean letting someone else identify themselves as you during an insurance claim call. A Florida case involving an independent contractor associated with Apex Roofing and Restoration shows why homeowners should keep control of the first contact with their insurer.
A free inspection, a coverage promise, and an alleged call
According to court documents discussed in reporting on the case, Trevor Smith, described as a 27-year-old independent contractor with Apex Roofing and Restoration, allegedly approached a Palmetto homeowner in 2023 while Florida was under a state of emergency after Hurricane Ian. He allegedly offered a free roof inspection and said the inspection showed significant damage that the homeowner’s insurance company would pay to replace.
Court records reportedly said the damage was exaggerated. The Florida Department of Financial Services was investigating allegations that Smith made the initial call to the insurance company while pretending to be the homeowner.
These are allegations involving Smith, not a finding that every inspection or every company representative acts improperly. Apex Roofing and Restoration said it did not know what Smith was doing and that its contractors are required to follow the law.
Keep the claim conversation in your hands
If an inspector says your roof has damage or offers to call the insurer, slow down and separate the inspection from the claim decision. Do not let anyone identify themselves as you or submit claim information in your name without your informed authorization. Confirm any permitted contractor communications directly with your insurer.
- Contact your insurer yourself using the contact information you trust.
- Ask the roofer for written inspection findings and an estimate that describes the work proposed.
- If you want a roofer included in an insurer conversation, remain on the call and make sure the roofer is accurately identified.
- Do not share account logins or let another person speak as though they are you.
- Do not treat a statement that insurance will pay for a replacement as an insurer decision.
The reported sequence is the warning: an inspection was followed by an alleged representation about significant damage and coverage, then an alleged initial call made as the homeowner. You can stop that sequence by controlling the call and reviewing the inspection information before deciding what to report.
If a claim may already have been opened
Contact your insurer directly and explain your concern. Confirm the insurer’s process for reviewing claim information and contractor communications. Keep the inspection report, estimate, messages, and documents connected to the visit. If you believe someone used your identity without permission or misrepresented information, report the concern to your insurer and consider contacting your state insurance department or qualified counsel.
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Source: Roofing Report coverage of the allegations involving Trevor Smith
FAQ
What was alleged in the Palmetto roof-inspection case?
Court documents discussed in reporting alleged that Trevor Smith, an independent contractor associated with Apex Roofing and Restoration, offered a Palmetto homeowner a free inspection after Hurricane Ian, exaggerated the roof damage, and made an initial insurer call while posing as the homeowner. The Florida Department of Financial Services was investigating the allegations.
Should I let a roofer make the first insurance claim call?
Make the initial contact yourself or confirm your insurer’s process directly. Do not let anyone identify themselves as you or submit information in your name without your informed authorization.
What should I ask for after a free roof inspection?
Ask for the inspection findings and estimate in writing. Review what damage is identified and what work is proposed before deciding whether to contact your insurer.
Can a roofer join a call with my insurer?
Confirm the insurer’s process directly. If you choose to include the roofer in a conversation, remain on the call and ensure the contractor is accurately identified rather than speaking as you.
What if I think someone already called my insurer as me?
Contact your insurer directly, explain the concern, and ask how it handles claim information and contractor communications. Keep related messages, inspection materials, estimates, and documents. If you believe your identity was used without permission, report the concern to your insurer and consider contacting your state insurance department or qualified counsel.
