If you live in Central Florida, chances are you’ve seen the ads or gotten the knock at the door:
“You could qualify for a free roof!”
It sounds great, right? A brand-new roof, covered entirely by insurance, with little or no out-of-pocket cost.
But before you sign anything—or even schedule a quote—it’s important to understand the truth behind these offers. Because while some are legitimate, many “free roof” claims are tied to aggressive sales tactics, misleading information, or even insurance fraud.
At Ibis Contracting, we’ve built our reputation on honesty and education, not gimmicks. So here’s what every Florida homeowner should know about free roof offers, and how to protect yourself (and your wallet) from problems down the line.
First, Yes—Insurance Can Pay for a New Roof
Let’s clear one thing up: your homeowners insurance policy can help pay for a roof replacement if the damage is caused by a covered event, such as:
- Wind or hail from a recent storm
- A tree falling onto your roof
- Sudden, accidental damage from weather-related events
In those cases, you may only be responsible for your deductible—and the rest of the replacement could be covered.
But here’s the key: the roof must actually be damaged, and the claim must meet your policy’s criteria. That’s where things get murky.
How “Free Roof” Offers Can Go Wrong
We’ve seen it happen too many times. A homeowner is approached by someone claiming their roof is eligible for a free replacement. Often, the contractor will:
- Offer to file the insurance claim for you
- Ask you to sign an “assignment of benefits” (AOB)
- Claim damage is present—even if it’s minor or unclear
- Urge you to act fast before you “miss the window”
And in many cases, the homeowner doesn’t even know what they’ve agreed to.
The problem? If the claim is denied or flagged, you could be stuck with the bill—or worse, caught in a legal dispute.
Some of these contractors may exaggerate damage, use high-pressure tactics, or perform work that doesn’t actually meet code. Others may start a job and disappear, leaving you with a half-finished roof and an insurance mess.
The Legal and Financial Risks of “Free” Roofs
Florida has cracked down in recent years on roofing scams and fraudulent insurance claims. And it’s for good reason:
- Fraudulent roof claims can result in denied coverage
- Your premiums could go up if your insurer sees you as high-risk
- AOB agreements can take away your control over the claim
- In some cases, homeowners have been sued over roof disputes they didn’t fully understand
It’s just not worth it.
We always tell customers: if someone promises you a free roof with zero explanation of your policy, your damage, or the risks—you need to walk away.
How to Know If You Actually Qualify
So how do you know if your insurance might cover a roof replacement?
Simple: get a licensed, reputable roofer to inspect your roof and document any damage. At Ibis Contracting, we offer free roof inspections with photos, a written summary, and an honest recommendation based on what we see—not what we want to sell.
If we believe your roof has storm-related damage, we’ll walk you through how to file a claim properly and ethically. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you that, too.
No pressure. No misleading offers. Just facts.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
To protect yourself, keep an eye out for these red flags:
- A contractor tells you your roof is damaged—without even climbing up
- They insist on filing the insurance claim on your behalf
- They ask you to sign documents before explaining them
- They say the roof “must be replaced” when it’s only a few years old
- They offer a deal that sounds too good to be true
If any of that happens, it’s time to back away.
So, Is a “Free Roof” Ever Real?
In very specific cases, yes—a homeowner may only owe their deductible for a full replacement. But it’s never guaranteed, and it’s never truly “free.”
The right way to do it is through:
- A valid insurance policy
- Verified storm damage
- Honest documentation
- A trusted contractor who helps you understand the process—not rush it
At Ibis Contracting, we’ve replaced hundreds of roofs across Central Florida through insurance—and we’ve done it the right way, every time.
Final Word: Don’t Gamble with Your Roof or Insurance
Getting a new roof is a big decision. And while insurance can be a helpful tool, chasing a “free roof” without understanding the risks can end up costing you more in the long run.
If you’re unsure about your roof’s condition or what your policy covers, let us take a look first.
Schedule your free inspection with Ibis Contracting today.
We’ll assess the roof, answer your questions honestly, and help you move forward—without the sales pitch.