Louisiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would considerably alter the relationship between roofing contractors, homeowners, and insurance companies. House Bill 121,sponsored by Rep. Roy daryl Adams, D-Jackson, aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest and curb practices perceived as contributing to rising insurance premiums. The bill has already cleared the House Committee on Insurance and is headed to the House floor for further debate.

Key Provisions of House Bill 121

• Restricting Contractor Assistance: The bill would prohibit roofing contractors from assisting homeowners with insurance claims. This includes providing, advertising, or soliciting insurance claims handling services.
• Ending Contingency Contracts: Roofers would be barred from using contingency contracts, where work is onyl performed if the homeowner’s insurance company approves the cost.
• Adjuster Restrictions: Insurance adjusters would be prohibited from performing construction work related to the claims they handle.

Arguments for the Bill

Rep. Adams stated his hope that the measure will deter contractors from aggressively soliciting homeowners after storms to file insurance claims for roof repairs. Committee Chairman Gabe Firment,R-Pollock,an insurance consultant,argued that assisting with insurance claims falls outside the expertise of roofing contractors.

That is outside of what you’re licensed to do. there’s other avenues for the homeowner to take if there’s a dispute.
Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, Committee Chairman

Firment also suggested that some contractors find damage where none exists, adding:

I think we’ve got to get back to roofers being tradesmen and not salesmen.
Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, Committee Chairman

Rep. Chance Henry, R-Crowley, an insurance agency owner, echoed these sentiments, suggesting homeowners could hire public adjusters to handle disputes.

Opposition from Roofing Contractors

Several roofers testified against the bill, arguing that it would hinder their ability to assist customers who often need help navigating the insurance claims process. Josh Lovell, a sales manager with Gator Roofing in Baton Rouge, said the bill would effectively prevent him from helping customers with a task they often request assistance with.

If we can’t even talk about any of the process, then you’re just giving all the power to the insurance company. And do you trust insurance companies like that?
Josh Lovell, Sales Manager, Gator Roofing

Johnathan Davis, a board member with the Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana, emphasized the importance of contingency agreements and collaboration with insurance companies in his profession.

I know there are good and bad companies just like every industry. I think that this would hurt everybody — not just the bad actors.
Johnathan Davis, Board Member, Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana

Davis also raised concerns that the bill’s ambiguity could inadvertently make it illegal for roofers to simply send damage estimates to insurance adjusters.

I don’t want to be in court one day defending sending an … estimate to an adjuster.
Johnathan Davis, Board Member, Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana

Lovell expressed concern that he might be afraid to even mention the word “insurance” in front of a customer if the bill becomes law.

Potential Amendments

Following the concerns raised, Committee Chairman Firment suggested the bill might need amendments to clarify certain provisions, ensuring roofers can still offer routine services without violating the law.