The jig is up for opportunistic roofing contractors that prey on Kentucky homeowners after a storm or severe catastrophe.

On April 11, Gov. Steve Beshear signed HB-421 into law as part of “storm scammer legislation,” which seeks to protect Kentucky’s legitimate contractors and homeowners from roofing replacement schemes.

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) publicly lauds passage of this measure, which Rep. Steve Riggs successfully ushered through the Kentucky legislature.

“We support storm scammer legislation and HB 421 and applaud Representative Riggs and the Kentucky General Assembly for this legislation, [which] helps consumers who get stuck holding the price tag by illegitimate roofing contractors,” said Erin Collins, NAMIC state affairs manager.

The legislation initiates amendments to KRS Chapter 367 to provide for a homeowners’ rights to cancel a contract for the repair or replacement of a roof system upon a determination that the damage is not covered under applicable policies of insurance.

According to the Kentucky Legislature’s website, HB-421 will require roofing contractors to include conspicuous notice of cancellation rights and procedures in roofing contracts; prohibit roofing contractors from requiring deposits or advance payment, except for emergency repairs necessary to protect the property from further damage, pending insurance claim determination; prohibit roofing contractors from offering or providing financial offsets or incentives against insurance policy deductibles or proceeds for use of their services.

“This is a wonderful step for Kentucky and its citizens,” Collins concluded. "As storms are continuing to sweep the country including recent catastrophic tornadoes in Kentucky, HB 421 comes at a critical juncture.” 

For more specifics about the bill, visit the Kentucky Legislature’s website.