Do I really have to pay my deductible on a roof claim?
Yes. Texas House Bill 2102, passed in 2019, requires homeowners to pay their insurance deductible. It is illegal for a contractor to waive, absorb or rebate the deductible, or to offer to cover it. Financing is available if you need help paying for the work.
What the law says
In 2019, Texas passed House Bill 2102 to crack down on roofing and insurance fraud. The law requires homeowners to pay their deductible, prohibits contractors from offering to waive or cover it, and requires roofing contracts to include deductible disclosure language. Violations can result in fines and other legal penalties.
Insurance companies may also ask for proof that you paid your deductible, such as a receipt, a canceled check or a financing agreement. Without proof, your claim payment could be delayed or reduced.
Why the law exists
The law is designed to protect homeowners. When a contractor covers a deductible, the cost usually shows up somewhere else, either in an inflated claim or in cheaper materials, rushed labor or minimal cleanup. Inflated claims also drive up insurance premiums for homeowners across Texas.
Taking part in a deductible waiver, even without knowing it, can also put a homeowner at risk of being involved in a fraudulent claim. The Texas Department of Insurance supports the Don't Fraud My Texas campaign to raise awareness about this.
What a reputable roofer will do
A trustworthy roofing contractor will clearly explain your deductible up front, give you a detailed and honest estimate, and include the required legal disclosures in your contract. If a contractor tells you they will cover your deductible or that you will not pay anything out of pocket, that is a red flag.
At Alexander and Sons Roofing, we explain your deductible before any work begins, and financing is available for homeowners who need it.
Related Questions
What if the roofer does not collect my deductible?
Your insurance company may ask for proof that the deductible was paid, and your claim payment could be delayed or reduced without it.
Can I pay my deductible over time?
Financing is available, and a financing agreement can serve as proof of payment for your insurance company.
