Key numbers
The U.S. saw 50% more hail claims in 2023 than in any of the previous four years, per Verisk (Verisk (ISO ClaimSearch), 2023).
| 1.00 | The National Weather Service raised its severe hail threshold from 0.75 inch to 1.00 inch in 2010. Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, 2010 |
|---|---|
| 621,945 | May is the peak month for U.S. hail loss claims, with 621,945 claims over 2017-2019, followed by June (586,749). Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau, 2017-2019 |
| 57.9% | U.S. homeowners hail loss cost rose 57.9% from 2022 to 2023, with claim frequency up 53.6%, per LexisNexis. Source: LexisNexis Risk Solutions, 2022-2023 |
Yes. A “free roof” after a hailstorm means the contractor is covering your deductible, by not charging it, rebating it, or calling it a sign credit or advertising fee. That is illegal in Colorado under C.R.S. 6-22-105 and illegal in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. It also misstates the cost of the roof to your insurer. A legitimate insurance roof always costs you exactly your deductible, plus any upgrades you choose.
How the pitch sounds
Watch for any of these, at the door, by phone or in a flyer, especially in the weeks after a hailstorm:
- “Your insurance will pay for everything. You won’t pay a dime.”
- “We’ll cover your deductible.”
- “Put our sign in your yard and we’ll give you a credit for your deductible.”
- “We’ll bill the insurance company the full amount and you just pay what’s left.”
- “Sign today and we’ll handle the insurance.” A roofer may not act as your public adjuster in Colorado or Texas.
The Colorado Division of Insurance warns that after storms, contractors may solicit door to door or by phone, and tells homeowners to be careful with anyone who contacts them that way.
The math: where the free money comes from
Say your roof is approved at $15,000 and your deductible is $2,000.
| Honest job | ”Free roof” | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance pays (both checks) | $13,000 | $13,000 |
| You pay | $2,000 (deductible) | $0 |
| What the roof really cost | $15,000 | $13,000 or less |
| What the insurer was told it cost | $15,000 | $15,000 |
On the “free” side, the insurer was billed $2,000 more than anyone paid. That gap is the problem. Either the contractor quietly cut $2,000 of work, materials or code items out of your roof, or the paperwork overstated the cost. Both end up on your claim. Read more on comparing roof bids to your claim and how the deductible comes out of the check.
What the law says
- Colorado: C.R.S. 6-22-105, from Senate Bill 12-038, bars a roofer paid from insurance from paying, waiving or rebating any part of the deductible, or advertising or promising to. The insurer may then ignore that contractor’s estimate, and the homeowner or insurer may sue. The full details are on Colorado’s deductible law.
- Texas: TDI says it is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive, rebate or absorb a policyholder’s deductible, and contracts of $1,000 or more involving an insurance settlement must include a notice that you must pay the deductible.
Where to report it
- Colorado: your insurance company; the Colorado Attorney General’s consumer protection line, 1-800-222-4444; the Colorado Division of Insurance, 303-894-7490.
- Texas: the Texas Attorney General, 800-621-0508, as TDI directs; your insurance company.
What an honest insurance roof looks like
You pay your deductible. The contractor shows you the scope line by line against the adjuster’s estimate, documents damage so nothing gets missed in the scope, and leaves the claim with you. Any upgrade you choose is priced separately and in writing. Before you sign with anyone, read what a roofer should do before your claim.
Integrity Roofing and Painting has never offered a free roof and never will. We are veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Book a free inspection in Colorado Springs at (719) 488-2800, Denver at (303) 209-0152, or Austin at (512) 610-5897, or read how Austin storm damage repair works under Texas rules.
Sources: C.R.S. 6-22-105 and 6-22-103 (unofficial reproduction); Texas Department of Insurance, Roofing and insurance: know the law; TDI, Hail damage to your home or car?; Colorado Division of Insurance, hail consumer advisory (May 22, 2024); Stop Fraud Colorado.
