Unfortunately, the roofing contractors have really increased the risk for insurance companies in Florida. Roofers drive through neighborhoods and tell homeowners a recent storm make them eligible to get a "free" roof. Once the homeowner signs the contract, the roofer attacks the insurance company and sometimes they inflate the final cost of repairs exponentially. This means choosing to waive hurricane coverage still doesn't eliminate the risk to insurers. If we don't sell the house within the next year, I suspect that we will end up having to replace our roof. If we sell and choose to stay in the state, I'm leaning toward a new house with a metal or tile roof. My wife claims to be ready to leave the state, but I know she would regret moving away from kids/grandkids.
I'm probably oversimplifying things, but I'm surprised insurance companies don't offer alternative policies that mitigate risk of roofing contractor abuse. For example, a policy that doesn't allow the owner to assign a claim over to a 3rd party. Another option would be to partner up with roofing contractors or even purchase roofing businesses outright.
The amount of billboards and TV ad's with ambulance chasing attorneys has increased tremendously over the past few decades. We need tort reform and/or companies need to get more creative about offering alternative services/products that reduce/eliminate excessive lawsuits.
