What Makes a Roofer an Insurance Claims Specialist?
As a resident of North Texas, I have received numerous (unsolicited) solicitations from roofers claiming to be "insurance claim specialists". But I often wonder, what makes them an "insurance claim specialist" or a "roof claim specialist"? Is there a formal accreditation process or professional designation? Is there a license or any form of oversight or regulation? Best I can tell, the answer is no!
The Oklahoma Insurance Department got it right when they issued a special notice last year stating that "Roofing contractors that advertise to be “claim specialists”, claim analysts”, who refer to “denied claims”, “deductibles” or assert they “deal with insurance companies” in their advertisements are acting as unlicensed public adjusters".
The insurance industry, and the professionals that serve it are among the most regulated group of individuals in America! You may not market or sell coverage, adjust or settle claims, or even discuss the business of insurance without the appropriate license. Licensed are renewed regularly, only after individuals have completed the prescribed number of continuing education hours.
Now let's look at roofers. Is there a parallel? Have they ever read a policy? Do they know which type of policy the homeowner has? Do they understand the policy?
If an insurance professional were to advertise that they were a specialist, they would likely run afoul of the 30+/- page manual of advertising rules and regulations in the insurance industry.
Just take a look at this advertisement! First of all, does she even know that an insurance policy is a two-party contract between the policyholder and the issuing insurer? The only way that the company that she represents can "deal" with your insurance company is if you appoint them to do so, in which case they become a Public Adjuster.
The other aspect of all of this that baffles me, is why a homeowner would trust a stranger who pulls up to their house, knocks on their door, and promises to deliver a great outcome, versus working with the agent and insurance carrier they have been working with for years to achieve the outcome they are entitled to.
Makes no sense to me!