Roofing AOB's And their Abuse in Mobile AL

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If you’ve been told you’re “locked into” a roofing agreement after a storm, take a deep breath — you’re not stuck. At JD Titan Roofing of Mobile, we talk with homeowners all the time who signed “contingency agreements” after a storm, only to realize later they didn’t understand what they were signing.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

A contingency agreement is a sales tool, not a binding construction contract. It’s often used by storm-chasing roofers to mentally lock homeowners into using their services — but these agreements depend entirely on your insurance claim being approved.

Here’s the truth:
You can cancel a contingency agreement at any time, for any reason, with no money owed, as long as no work has been performed and no materials delivered.

If work or materials have already been provided, you would only owe for actual work completed or restocking costs — not your entire insurance payout.

We’ve met countless homeowners across Mobile — from Midtown to West Mobile, from Cottage Hill to Spring Hill — who were told they “had to” use the contractor who met with their adjuster.
That’s false.

Just because someone was on your roof with the insurance adjuster doesn’t mean they’re owed a dime. Your insurance company owes you, not the contractor.

As long as no manual labor has been done on your property, you owe nothing.

An honest roofing contract should be crystal clear. It includes:

• A detailed scope of work
   
• Material specifications (brand, color, warranty)
   
• An exact project price
   
• Defined warranty terms
   
• Start and completion dates
   

Anything less is a red flag.

If you see “pricing to be determined” or “insurance proceeds only,” walk away. You wouldn’t hire a mechanic to fix your car without knowing the cost first — don’t do it with your roof.

Here’s the game: after a hailstorm or hurricane, salespeople knock on doors saying they’ll “handle everything with your insurance.”
They play on the fear that your insurer might shortchange you — a fear that’s often unfounded.

At first, it sounds convenient. Then the threats start when you ask questions or want to cancel.

In our 30+ years of experience, we’ve only seen one case actually go to court — and the homeowner won for harassment.

These contractors know it’s not worth the legal trouble to chase a canceled contingency. They move on to the next storm.

If you signed a contingency agreement and changed your mind:

1. Send a cancellation email or letter (keep a copy).
    
2. Do not allow materials to be delivered or work to start.
    
3. Block further communication if they threaten or harass you.
    
4. Report aggressive contractors to the BBB or Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board.
    

The law is on your side.

Here is what the Alabama Department of Insurance and the  National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)  say on this subject :

 Be cautious about signing an Assignment of Benefits

"You have just experienced significant storm damage to your property, and you need to be careful not to sign over your benefits. Some contractors may ask for permission to speak on your behalf with your insurance company. Before you sign, read the fine print. Otherwise, you may inadvertently sign over your benefits and any extra money allowed to you after your claim.

An Assignment of Benefits, or an AOB, is a document signed by a policyholder that allows a third party—such as a water extraction company, a roofer or a plumber—to "stand in the shoes" of the insured and seek direct payment from the insurance company. Once it is signed, any rights or benefits of the policy will go to that third party. So, if it costs $2,000 to repair your roof and your claim is more than that, technically that third party is entitled to the rest of that money.

You are not required to sign an AOB to have repairs completed. You can file a claim directly with your insurance company, which allows you to maintain control of the rights and benefits provided by your policy in resolving the claim."

                 https://aldoi.gov/currentnewsitem.aspx?ID=1146

2017 Code of Alabama Title 8 - COMMERCIAL LAW AND CONSUMER PROTECTION. Chapter 36 - RESIDENTIAL ROOFING CONTROLS. Section 8-36-2 - Cancellation of residential roofing contract; notice of cancellation; payments. Universal Citation: AL Code § 8-36-2 (2017) Section 8-36-2 Cancellation of residential roofing contract; notice of cancellation; payments. (a) A person who has entered into a written contract with a residential roofing contractor to provide goods or services to be paid from the proceeds of a property and casualty insurance policy may cancel the contract prior to midnight on the tenth business day after the contract has been entered into if the insured has received written notice from the insurer that all or any part of the claim or contract is not a covered loss under the insurance policy. Cancellation shall be evidenced by the insured giving written notice of cancellation to the residential roofing contractor at the address stated in the contract. Notice of cancellation, if given by mail, shall be effective upon deposit into the United States mail, postage prepaid and properly addressed to the residential roofing contractor. Notice of cancellation need not take a particular form and shall be sufficient if it indicates, by any form of written expression, the intention of the insured not to be bound by the contract. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-36/section-8-36-2/

At JD Titan Roofing, we’re an Alabama Unlimited Licensed Builder (#25918).
That means we’re qualified and legally allowed to perform structural roof repairs — something basic “roofing licenses” do not cover.

If your roof framing, decking, or structural integrity is compromised, only a licensed builder like JD Titan Roofing can legally perform that work.

 Alabama-specific rules

• 10-day cancellation period: A roofing contractor cannot demand any payment until the 10-day cancellation period has expired.
• Emergency services: You are obligated to pay for any emergency services that you have acknowledged in writing were necessary, like a temporary tarp.
• No-fee cancellations: Any contract provision that requires a fee for anything other than emergency services is not enforceable against an insured who cancels within the 10-day period. 

Your insurance claim belongs to you, not your roofer.
Even if a contractor was present during the inspection, your insurance company approved the claim based on damage — not who was standing there.

Don’t let scare tactics trick you into thinking you owe someone your insurance check. You don’t.

When you cancel, you might get angry emails or letters for a week or two. Then — silence.
These companies move on because chasing homeowners isn’t profitable.

The truth is, legitimate local roofers don’t need to trick people. They earn work by reputation, not contracts written in panic after a storm.

After a hailstorm or hurricane:

1. Don’t sign anything immediately.
    
2. Ask for a written estimate.
    
3. Verify licenses through the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board.
    
4. Work with a local company, not out-of-state storm chasers.
    
5. Read reviews — genuine ones, not ones flooded after a storm.
    

A roofing contractor should earn your business through transparency, quality work, and trust — not intimidation.
If you feel pressured or confused, remember: you can always say no, cancel the agreement, and start fresh.

At JD Titan Roofing of Mobile, we believe in honest contracts, clear pricing, and licensed structural expertise.
We’re here to help homeowners across Mobile and Baldwin County navigate insurance claims safely and confidently — without the scare tactics.

📞 Need real answers?
Call JD Titan Roofing of Mobile at (251) 930-1408 or visit https://jdtitan.com.

We will put a transparent, written estimate in your hands — usually within 24 hours.