Insurance Adjuster Frauds

The Texas Department of Insurance warns against insurance adjuster frauds. The TDI has been actively issuing fines in excess of $5,000 to contractors across the state. The Unauthorized Practice of Pubic Adjusting, “UPPA“. They are also diligently working with the Attorney General’s office on the enforcement of HB2102 (deductible law) effective 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. Individual 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.”

UPPA 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. They are insurance adjuster frauds.

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.”

This statement is from Texas law regarding contractors and their restrictions on acting as public adjusters or advertising to adjust claims. It is a part of the Texas Statutes and can be found in Chapter 4102, Section 4102.163, of the Texas Occupations Code. The statutes govern the licensing and regulation of roofing contractors in the state. These laws are designed to regulate and ensure fair practices within the roofing industry.

Beware of Texas Storms and Weather

Texas storms are frequently filled with large hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes, depending on the area of Texas where you live. Here are some additional facts about Texas storms:

1. Texas experiences a high frequency of severe weather events, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, earning it the nickname “Tornado Alley.”
2. The central region of Texas, known as “Hail Alley,” sees some of the highest incidences of large hail in the United States.
3. The peak tornado season in Texas generally spans from March to May, although tornadoes can occur throughout the year.
4. The Gulf Coast of Texas is susceptible to hurricanes, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st to November 30th.
5. Texas has been impacted by several devastating hurricanes in the past, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused catastrophic flooding in Houston and other areas.
6. The geography of Texas, with its expansive plains and warm Gulf of Mexico waters, contributes to the formation and intensity of severe storms and tornadoes.
7. The National Weather Service plays a crucial role in monitoring and issuing severe weather warnings for Texas, helping to keep residents informed and safe.
8. Storm chasers and meteorologists often flock to Texas to study its unique weather patterns and conduct research on severe storms.
9. The development and implementation of advanced radar technologies have improved storm tracking and forecasting capabilities in Texas, enhancing early warning systems.
10. The state government and local communities in Texas emphasize emergency preparedness and response, including establishing storm shelters and evacuation plans.

Stay Informed About the Weather

Remember to stay informed about weather updates and follow any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities during severe weather events in Texas.

Stop Insurance Adjuster Frauds

As storm season approaches Texas, staying informed is our most outstanding defense against insurance adjustment frauds who are knocking on the doors of homeowners right after a bad storm.  Do not let them on your roof! Always hire a reputable roofer who is local to your city or town and will work with your insurance company.

Our commitment at Northwest Roofing to our customers extends beyond stormy times – we are here for you all year. Whether you have an issue with wind damage, a leak, or just confirmation that your roof is still holding strong, Don Rutherford. Don is the business owner, and operator of Northwest Roofing in Haslet, TX, and is both truthful and dependable.