April 23, 2010 – Montgomery, AL – The National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud looks forward to Alabama Governor Bob Riley’s signing of Senate Joint Resolution 137. The resolution, which was passed by the Senate and the House, urges the Alabama Attorney General and the Alabama Department of Insurance to investigate certain unscrupulous practices in the roofing industry. The resolution was delivered to the Governor’s office on April 14th and is awaiting a signature.

“Certain roofing companies are harassing senior citizens and others in an effort to gain their business when there is actually little or no damage to homes. Some roofers are also misrepresenting themselves as working for insurers,” says Phae Howard, the Executive Director of the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud (NCPHIF).

According to the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud (NCPHIF), SJR137 is a positive first step towards shedding more light on a growing problem in Alabama. The Tuscaloosa Police Department recently warned residents of a rash of incidents around the city. But homeowners in different parts of the state have reported aggressive tactics by some roofing companies.

The NCPHIF believes that most Alabama contractors and roofing companies conduct business responsibly. But residents in some neighborhoods have reported questionable practices by some businesses. In some cases homeowners have reported having brochures left on their doors indicating that catastrophic hail and windstorms struck the area and that they may have severe damage to their roofs. The roofing company may show up at the resident’s door and offer to help get the insurer to pay for a new roof.

The companies often do not explain that homeowners have to pay a deductible to get a repair or replacement done and fail to mention that the homeowner might lose a discount and have to pay higher insurance premiums.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported last year that more than four times as many roof repair scams involving hailstorm damage were reported in the first quarter of 2009 as were reported in the same period of 2008.

The NCPHIF urges homeowners to consider the following precautions:

• Do not rush into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
• Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
• Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
• Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.

“Through consumer awareness programs, project assistance and thorough follow up, NCPHIF expects to make a huge impact in wiping out contractor fraud” says Executive Director, Phae Howard.  For more information, contact The National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud at www.ncphif.org.

Download the press release as a pdf>>

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