As storm season approaches the metroplex, being informed is our greatest defense against the storm chasers and door knockers that swarm every chance they get. We at Northwest Roofing are here for our customers every day of the year, not just when a storm hits. Whether you have an issue with wind damage, a leak, or just confirmation that your roof is still holding strong, Don Rutherford, the owner and operator of Northwest Roofing will personally be there to give you honest and reliable information.
The UPPA violations occur when someone other than a licensed claims adjuster works with a consumer to settle a property insurance claim.
The Texas Department of Insurance has been actively issuing fines in excess of $5,000 to contractors across the state for “UPPA“, The Unauthorized Practice of Pubic Adjusting. They are also diligently working with the Attorney General’s office on enforcement of HB2102 (deductible law) which went into effect September 1, 2019.
“The unlicensed practice of public adjusting is a vehicle of consumer fraud that preys on some of the most vulnerable elements of our society. The disaster-stricken, the elderly, the unsophisticated, and those for whom English is a second language. Individuals’ losses range from a couple of thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. And frequently, victims are left without a remedy, because UPPA offenders just disappear or are not worth suing.”
The Unauthorized Practice of Pubic Adjusting occurs when someone other than a licensed claims adjuster works with a consumer to settle a property insurance claim. These unlicensed or unauthorized claims adjusters will pretend to have the authority to handle a property claim, but they do not.
What does this mean to you as a homeowner? Texas law states that “A roofing contractor may not act as a public adjuster or advertise to adjust claims for any property for which the contractor is providing or may provide roofing services, regardless of whether the contractor holds a license under this chapter.”
Don Rutherford
generally the unemployed with limited or no roofing experience at all, who will follow storm ravaged areas in order to scam homeowners out of their money. They do this by offering non-existent roofing services and running away with the homeowner’s cash. Avoid signing with any roofing contractor that isn’t local to your area. Ask the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or other reputable and professional roofing organizations for references and city registration/licenses before dealing with any roofing contractor. Beware if the roofing contractor refuses to give you an independent estimate without first looking at your insurance paperwork. Do not sign anything and just tell him simply you are not interested in his services. 