Fraud through Assignment of Benefits. And it's legal

Fraud through Assignment of Benefits. And it's legal

West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2017 · 16 posts · 0 votes

Hello BP,

Recently my roof contractor met with an insurance adjuster for the claim that I initiated. I'm still waiting to hear back on the outcome of the claim. However, the contractor told me that the insurance company will pay for a new roof, and he will handle all the claim process and paperwork. I only need to sign "Assignment of Benefit (AOB)." A quick google search and phone call with my insurance agent revealed that this is a huge scam in Florida and it's legal. Essentially, the AOB transferred the right of the homeowner to the contractor to negotiate the claim or sue the insurance company. Additionally, the contractor collect all the proceeds from the claim payout. From what I understand, the contractor can inflate the price of the repair and bill it to the insurance company. If the claim is denied or the payout is less than the bill, the contractor can turn around and have the homeowner pay the difference. If not paid, the contractor can put construction lien on the property. 

I refused to sign it but he still pressures me into signing. Has anyone ever experienced this?

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Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
8y
Originally posted by @Mark Fries:
I don't understand how this posting is relevant to real estate investing?

 Does FL not have any rental housing?

Do REI in FL not have insurance on their properties?

Do rentals in FL have a magic force field around them that protect them from unscrupulous contractors?

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  • China, ME · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    8y

    @Anna Toi-GB Sounds like you should walk away and find another contractor.  

  • Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2015 · 16 posts · 5 votes
    8y

    I don't work in Florida but my understanding is that it's an issue there.  I don't know about the turnaround and come after the customer part, but you are correct in the over inflation of the cost... 

  • West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2017 · 16 posts · 0 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Keith Harris:

    I don't work in Florida but my understanding is that it's an issue there.  I don't know about the turnaround and come after the customer part, but you are correct in the over inflation of the cost... 

     It's within their right to pursue the difference and put a lien on the property. The work will be legally authorized and performed. 

  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    8y
    Yes, I’ve run across that. Don’t do it, do your negotiations with the insurance co and your contractors. Get 3 quotes from legit contractors, and go from there.
  • Homeowner · Tampa, FL · Member since 2016 · 358 posts · 65 votes
    8y
    To find a honest roofer, contract, handyman in Florida seems not so easy and lots cheap snakes. This situation may related to the poor regulation or rules.
  • China, ME · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    8y

    @Anna Toi-GB I've had pretty good luck with www.HomeAdvisor.com.  They live and die based on their customer ratings.

    The other thing to consider is a public adjuster.  They negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf,

  • Contractor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y
    I don't understand how this posting is relevant to real estate investing?
  • Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Mark Fries:
    I don't understand how this posting is relevant to real estate investing?

     Does FL not have any rental housing?

    Do REI in FL not have insurance on their properties?

    Do rentals in FL have a magic force field around them that protect them from unscrupulous contractors?

  • Contractor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y
    the post makes no mention of rental property or real estate investment. I just think it would be better served to be posted on an insurance blog/forum or something. if you dont want to sign an AOB....then dont sign it...seems simple to me and doesn't warrant a post blasting the roofing industry.
  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    8y
    It’s not roofing, it’s any contractor repairs done under an insurance claim. My girl frien had about a $20k from an upstairs water pipe break. The insurance co adjuster showed up with his “preferred” contractor.....nothing shady going on there!
  • Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y
    Mark Fries Why not discuss about it? A home is an investment whether you think of it or not, it is part of your networth, and the money you put in your piggybank will be yours when it is time to sell, and when there is a lien, you can’t sell. There is no difference between a single family or a skyscraper, costs are costs, the OP want some opinions on exploring the thought and standards of the industry and what revolves around a subject, in this case the AOB. It’s like a roofer apprentice asking a journeyman how to install a roof shingle.
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