What is a deductible?
It’s the part of your insurance claim you pay out of pocket before insurance pays the rest.
Who pays the deductible?
You, the homeowner. It cannot be waived or paid by the contractor — that’s against Arkansas law.
Why do I pay it to the contractor?
Because your contract is for the full job amount. Insurance pays their share, you pay your share (the deductible) to us.
What’s the homeowner’s job?
Call your insurance when there’s damage
Meet the adjuster
Sign a contract with us
Pay your deductible
Send insurance funds to the contractor
What’s the contractor’s job?
Give a clear estimate
Do the work safely and to code
Communicate with your insurance adjuster honestly
Provide warranty and paperwork when finished
What’s the insurance company’s job?
Inspect the damage
Approve/deny the claim
Pay the covered amount (minus your deductible)
Release final funds once the work is complete
What if more damage is found?
We’ll stop and show you (ex: rotted wood under shingles)
We’ll write a change order for you to approve
Insurance may cover the extra, but you may owe part.
Can a roofer cover my deductible?
No. In Arkansas, it’s illegal. Contractors who say “we’ll cover it” are breaking the law.
Q: Can my roofer pay or waive my deductible?
A: No. In Arkansas, it’s legally prohibited for a contractor to waive or absorb your insurance deductible. Doing so is considered an unfair and deceptive practice.
Q: Why is paying a deductible necessary?
A: Your deductible is part of your insurance contract. It’s your agreed cost share before insurance pays the rest.
Q: When will I pay the deductible?
A: Usually at the start (or per contract terms) to your roofing contractor.
Q: What if my insurer doesn’t release all the funds until after completion?
A: That’s common. Insurers may withhold depreciation or final payment (RCV) until you submit proof the work is finished.
Q: What if there is unexpected damage found after tear-off?
A: We will provide a change order for your approval before proceeding.
Q: Can I use multiple contractors / get multiple quotes?
A: Yes — and it’s wise. Comparing estimates helps you understand what's fair.
Q: What should I look for in a roofing contract?
A: Itemized scope, materials list, timeline, payment schedule, warranty, change order clause, your deductible.
Q: Who handles the insurance communication?
A: We will coordinate with your insurer and adjuster, provide necessary documentation, and advocate for full scope coverage — but legally and ethically.
Damage = $8,000
Your deductible = $1,000
Contractor’s contract = $8,000 (you agree)
You pay $1,000 to the contractor.
Insurance pays $7,000 to you or jointly to you and the contractor.
Original agreement: $10,000,
deductible $1,000.
After the tear-off, $1,500 of decking replacement was needed
The contractor provides a change order for an additional $1,500.
You approve the change order, resulting in a total project cost of $11,500.
You pay the $1,000 deductible plus the extra $1,500 to the contractor.
Following this, you submit a supplemental claim for the decking, and your insurance covers the remainder after adjustments.
Damage = $12,000
Your deductible = $1,200
The contractor says, “we’ll eat the deductible.”
To make that work, the contractor would have to inflate the price by $1,200, billing the insurer $13,200. This misrepresentation of costs constitutes insurance fraud.
Additionally, in Arkansas, HB 1308 and Arkansas law classify waiving the deductible as an unfair trade practice.
If detected, the insurer may refuse to pay or cancel coverage, and both the contractor and homeowner could face penalties.
Total roof cost (per contract) = $12,000
Your deductible = $1,000
Insurance pays $9,000 up front (they hold back $2,000 as “recoverable depreciation.
You pay your deductible of $1,000 to the contractor.
The contractor performs the work,
After the work is complete, the contractor sends the final invoice to the insurance company.
Insurance then releases the $2,000 depreciation either to you or directly to the contractor,
At 1975 Roof Company- We know insurance can be stressful — especially when it comes to paying your deductible. We live here too, and we care about this community. That’s why we do business with honesty and integrity.
Here’s what you need to know:
How we can help:
Important notes:
Our Promise:
We won’t pressure you, and we’ll always be transparent. If you need help figuring out deductible financing, just reach out. We’ll walk you through your options so you can protect your home without risking your peace of mind.