Helping building owners navigate insurance policies and regulations for better roof maintenance and restoration decisions

CCS Influencer John Kenney says that roofing contractors who understand the intricacies of insurance language and code compliance can provide tremendous value to their clients.

I understand how difficult it can be for building owners to navigate the complex landscape of insurance policies and ever-evolving roof maintenance and restoration regulations. For contractors, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Those who take the time to understand the intricacies of insurance language and code compliance can provide tremendous value to their clients. By serving as both a roofing professional and a trusted advisor, contractors can help building owners make informed decisions, ensure they receive fair insurance support and stay ahead of regulatory changes that impact their properties.

One of the biggest hurdles contractors face when assisting building owners is the complexity of insurance policies. Most owners don't fully understand what their policies cover regarding roofing damage, especially regarding exclusions, deductibles and depreciation clauses. Further, several states — including Florida and Texas — have passed laws limiting how much a roofing contractor can be involved in the insurance claims process. For instance, Florida's Senate Bill 76, which took effect in July 2021, prohibits roofing contractors from soliciting homeowners for insurance claims or offering incentives related to roof damage inspections or repairs covered by insurance. Additionally, Senate Bill 2-D and Senate Bill 2-A have reinforced these restrictions by banning the assignment of post-loss insurance benefits and limiting roofers' advertising around insurance claims.

Similarly, in Texas, only licensed public adjusters are permitted to negotiate insurance claims on behalf of policyholders. The Texas Supreme Court has upheld regulations prohibiting contractors from acting as roofers and claims negotiators on the same project. These developments mean contractors must be careful not to cross legal boundaries while providing support and guidance to clients navigating the insurance process.

While contractors cannot act as public adjusters, they can still play a crucial role by helping building owners gather the documentation needed for a successful claim. This includes conducting thorough roof inspections, taking explicit photographs of damage and producing professional condition reports and repair estimates. When property owners submit their claims, these materials are valuable and can support a stronger case for insurance approval without the contractor directly negotiating the terms.

Regulations also extend beyond insurance. Local building codes and safety standards are constantly evolving and restoration work — especially following a storm or long-term wear  — may need to bring an older roof into compliance with current codes. Contractors who stay current on these changes can advise building owners early, helping them understand how code compliance affects project scope, timelines and budgets. This transparency builds trust and positions the contractor as a knowledgeable, reliable resource.

Education is essential in this process. Contractors should integrate client education into every interaction — during inspections, maintenance programs or restoration proposals. Explaining how proper roof care can extend service life, reduce liability and improve insurance outcomes empowers building owners to take a proactive approach to asset management. Offering roof asset management plans, annual inspections and documented maintenance histories also helps clients prove their diligence in case of future insurance claims.

Internally, contractors should invest in training their teams to understand policy limitations legal boundaries and communicating effectively without overstepping. Participating in industry organizations, legal workshops and state-level policy updates ensures the team can deliver valuable insights while remaining compliant.

In conclusion, roofing contractors must navigate a shifting landscape of insurance restrictions and regulatory changes while providing critical support to building owners. By understanding the limits of their involvement, offering professional documentation, staying informed about evolving laws and emphasizing education and transparency, contractors can help clients make more intelligent decisions while building trust and long-term relationships.