Louisiana lawmakers are moving forward with a controversial proposal that could significantly change how roofing contractors interact with homeowners after storms. House Bill 121, sponsored by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams (D-Jackson), aims to prohibit roofers from assisting customers with insurance claims — a practice lawmakers say leads to conflicts of interest and questionable business practices.
Key Changes Proposed
The bill, which unanimously cleared the House Committee on Insurance, would:
- Bar roofing contractors from providing, advertising, or soliciting insurance claims handling services.
- Prohibit the use of contingency contracts that hinge on insurance approval for roofing work.
- Prevent insurance adjusters from performing any construction work related to claims they manage.
Supporters of the bill, including insurance companies and lawmakers with industry ties, argue that it’s a necessary step to restore trust and lower coverage premiums. They express concern over roofers who canvass neighborhoods after storms, sometimes encouraging unnecessary claims or exaggerating damage to secure work.
Roofers Push Back
Not all are convinced the bill serves homeowners’ best interests. Roofing industry professionals testified in opposition, warning that the measure could hurt legitimate contractors and leave homeowners at the mercy of insurance companies.
Josh Lovell, sales manager at Gator Roofing in Baton Rouge, highlighted that roofers often help guide homeowners through confusing claims processes. Without that assistance, homeowners might not realize they can dispute denied claims or seek second opinions.
“If we can’t even talk about any of the process, then you’re just giving all the power to the insurance company,” Lovell said.
Johnathan Davis, a board member of the Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana, emphasized that contingency contracts and insurance collaboration are integral to the roofing business. Davis warned the bill’s vague language could even criminalize sending an estimate to an insurance adjuster, creating legal risks for contractors simply doing their jobs.
Lawmakers Defend the Restrictions
Committee Chairman Gabe Firment (R-Pollock), who works as an insurance consultant, insisted that assisting with insurance claims is outside a contractor’s professional scope. He said allowing roofers to guide claims opens the door for fraudulent practices, with some contractors finding damage that doesn’t exist.
“I think we’ve got to get back to roofers being tradesmen and not salesmen,” Firment said.
Rep. Chance Henry (R-Crowley), an insurance agency owner, supported the bill by suggesting that homeowners hire licensed public adjusters to resolve insurance disputes — though critics countered that public adjusters are costly and could complicate claims.
Possible Revisions Ahead
Acknowledging the concerns from roofing professionals, Firment admitted the bill might need amendments to clarify its provisions. Lawmakers hinted at potential changes to ensure roofers could still perform basic services, like submitting estimates, without running afoul of the law.
As the bill moves to the House floor, the debate underscores the complex balance between consumer protection, industry regulation, and the rights of contractors and homeowners alike in Louisiana’s storm-battered communities.
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