Should a Roofing Company Pay Your Insurance Deductible in the DMV?
When a big storm hits in the DMV, homeowners usually call their insurance company and hope for good news. If your roof is damaged, your insurer will often cover most of the repair or replacement cost. But there’s one part you can’t escape — the deductible.
A deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. It's not something your roofer can cover for you. Depending on your policy, the amount you'll have to pay could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
Because of this, some roofing companies try to entice homeowners by saying, “Don’t worry about the deductible, we’ll cover it.” On the surface, it sounds like a sweet deal. But should you ever take them up on that offer? Let's find out.
Should You Allow a Roofer “Waive” Your Deductible?
The Short Answer: No, You Shouldn’t. No matter what a roofer tells you, you should never let a roofing company pay your deductible. Here’s why:
It’s illegal in most cases.
It’s considered insurance fraud.
It often leads to cheap materials and poor workmanship.
If a roofer is willing to break the law just to get your business, chances are they won’t think twice about cutting corners on your roof. And you definitely don't want that.
Why Would a Roofer Offer to Pay Your Deductible?
So why do some roofing contractors dangle this “deal” in front of homeowners? The truth is simple: they want your business, and they’re willing to say whatever to win it.
Here’s what usually happens:
They give you the lowest price in town.
They claim they’ll “waive” or “absorb” the deductible.
To make up the difference, they use cheap labor and low-quality shingles.
That means you'll most likely end up with a roof that doesn’t last and no solid warranty to fall back on. In the DMV, where our weather swings from hot summers to heavy snow and coastal storms, a weak roof won’t hold up. That’s why it's important to have a trusted local roofer on your side.
The Risks of Letting a Roofer Pay Your Deductible
Even when they know something’s fishy, some people might think, “What’s the harm if it saves me money?” It's actually a dangerous move. Here’s what you’re really risking:
Breaking the law – It’s fraud, plain and simple.
Losing coverage – If your insurance company finds out, they can cancel your policy. That means no coverage for future storm damage.
Future repairs – Using cheap roofing materials and labor usually means more leaks and costly repairs later.
No recourse – If the work is bad, you’ll have little protection because you took part in the fraud.
In other words, you could end up paying far more down the road. Why spend more later - just do the right thing.
What You Still Pay Besides the Deductible
Even when insurance approves your claim, the deductible isn’t the only thing you might pay. You could also be responsible for:
Upgrades not covered by your policy (for example, premium shingles).
Repairs to parts of the home insurance doesn’t cover.
Costs that exceed your insurance company’s “approved” pricing.
This is why it’s so important to work with a local, reputable roofer like DA Roofers, we’re based in Montgomery County, Maryland. A trustworthy contractor will walk you through the insurance process, explain the deductible, and give you a clear estimate so there are no surprises.
Protecting Yourself From Roofing Scams in the DMV
Unfortunately, storm chasers and scam contractors often flood into the DMV after big storms. How can you protect yourself and your roof from such scams? To protect yourself:
Hire a local roofer with a local phone number.
Check reviews and ask neighbors for recommendations.
Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured in your state.
Get everything in writing (including the deductible you’re responsible for).
Wrap Up
When storms hit the DMV, the last thing you need is to fall for a roofing scam. If a contractor offers to pay your deductible, walk away. It’s not only illegal, but it’s also a fast way to get a bad roof that won’t last.
Instead of trying to pay less, work with a trusted local roofing company that plays by the rules, explains your deductible clearly, and gives you the quality roof your home deserves. It will save you a lot of trouble later on.
FAQs
1. Is it illegal for a roofer to waive my deductible in the DMV?
Yes. You're required by law to pay your deductible. Which means waiving a deductible is against the law. It can get both you and the roofer in legal trouble.
2. What happens if I don’t pay my roof insurance deductible?
If you don't pay the deductible, your insurance company won’t cover the full cost of your roof replacement. They expect you to pay your share, and if you don't do that, they won't do the same. They might even cancel your coverage.
3. Why do some roofers offer to cover the deductible?
They do this to win business. It's a competitive market, and people do shady things to try and get ahead. However, that usually means cutting corners on materials and labor to make up the money. Be forewarned, avoid these roofers!