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igaines
December 7, 2010
questionable business practices
I was referred to Southern Armor (SA) by a neighbor. Their representative explained the process of acquiring a new roof at no cost since the insurance company would cover the replacement cost; SA would replace the roof at whatever amount the insurance adjuster set. You simply have to hand over both insurance checks to them. They claim they work with the insurance company on your behalf, but they don't do anything that you couldn't do yourself--contact the insurance company. They don't spend about 5 min online contacting your insurance company who in turn contacts you to set up time for the adjuster to come inspect your roof. If the adjuster approves replacement, then you'd better run for cover because SA is desperate to get their hands on that insurance check. You're going to be barraged with phone calls from SA about the insurance check on a daily basis. After notifying SA that evening that the first check arrived, they came that very night to pick it up. (By this time, albeit too late, I had read the complaints about SA posted on the internet, and was very skeptical about them) When I questioned the guy they sent to pick up the check about the reports on the internet, he told me that they were former employees of Amerfican Shingles and not affiliated w/that company. I didn't want to turn over the check and I made that clear, but I had already signed a contract and didn't want the legal wrangling with them. Also(not that I'm trying to make excuses) but they had replaced two other roofs in the neighborhood. Well, my roof was replaced. They claim the insurance adjuster miscalculated the amount of shingles for my roof and they would have to submit a supplemental claim to cover their extra expense(even though the first insurance check totaled over $5400). I doubt that they want to speak w/the insurance company about anything, and that line is probably used for every roof they replace. My roof was completed on Nov 12, and less than 1 week later, the telephone calls begin again regarding the second insurance check. When I asked if the check would be mailed to me that quickly, Scott (I believe that is his name, but I might be mistaken) told me he would email to me my adjuster's info so that I could contact him to find out when to expect that check (a little over $2600). I received his email but I declined to contact the adjuster. SA claims to work with the insurance company, but they want me to harrass the adjuster about the check and they harrass me. I was contacted by SA on a daily basis (everyday but Sunday) until that check arrived. When it arrived and I let them know, a representative showed up immediately to pick it up. I wanted to give SA the benefit of the doubt, but In my opinion, it's true what is being posted on the internet about them. I feel foolish that I didn't check them out before signing on with them, and I'm worried that if a future storm damages my roof I'll be in serious trouble because they probably won't be around (and even if they are, I expect neither quantum or quality of service) because they're interest is to collect 100% insurance checks and nothing else. Their website contains comments from "satisfied customers" writing wonderful referrals for them. What a joke!! The neighbor who referred me to SA received a call from them threatening to place a lein on her property if she didn't pay $160 outstanding balance (even though they had already collected her 2 insurance checks and had benefitted from at least 2 other roofing jobs she had referred to them) for a roofing job that wasn't supposed to cost her any out of pocket money-- remember SA claims to replace your roof for amount the insurance adjuster sets. However, in order to go to court and ask for a judgment in your favor, I think the law states that you have to have "clean" hands yourself; I think SA would probably want to stay as far away from court as possible. I expect to receive a similar phone call from SA saying I have an outstanding balance since the adjuster miscalculated the amount of shingles required for my roof. I'll keep everyone posted on that. If anyone out there is considering having their roof replaced, please don't buy into that line about the company will deal w/the insurance company because that's all it is and they are going out of their way to get you approved for a new roof, because that's just a line to suck you in and scam you of your insurance money.
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