After every major storm, Oklahoma neighborhoods are flooded with roofers offering to “cover your deductible.” While that may sound like a generous offer, it’s actually illegal—and incredibly risky. Deductible roofing scams can cost you more in the long run through poor workmanship, denied insurance claims, and compromised home safety. In this article, you’ll learn how to spot these scams, understand why they’re illegal, and discover smarter, safer roofing solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Deductible roofing scams are illegal in Oklahoma, and contractors who offer to waive or “eat” your deductible are putting both you and themselves at legal and financial risk.
- Scam roofers often use substandard materials and labor to cover the cost of the deductible, resulting in poor workmanship, reduced lifespan, and potential roof failure.
- Homeowners who engage in deductible roofing scams may face denied insurance claims, future coverage issues, and lack of legal recourse if the roof fails.
- Red flags include high-pressure sales, no local office, lack of licensing, or asking for full payment upfront—especially after major storms in Oklahoma.
- Fortified roof systems, like those built with CertainTeed NorthGate flex shingles, are proven to withstand severe hail and meet higher standards than typical roofs.
- McRoof has not had to replace a single Fortified roof for hail damage in Oklahoma since 2018, highlighting the long-term value of building to Fortified standards.
- Paying your deductible is an investment in your home’s safety and longevity, and choosing a reputable contractor ensures that investment pays off with quality and protection.
- McRoof offers insurance claim guidance, Fortified installations, and flexible financing, making it easier for homeowners to do things the right—and legal—way.
How to Spot a Roofing Scam
When storms hit Oklahoma, it’s not just hail and high winds you need to watch out for—it’s also the wave of out-of-state or unlicensed roofers that follow. These contractors often go door to door, offering “free roofs” or promising to waive your deductible. What they’re really offering is a fast track to legal and financial trouble.
Red Flags to Watch For
Understanding the tactics of roofing scammers is your first defense as a homeowner. Here are some of the most common warning signs:
Common Scam Tactics
| Scam Tactic | Why It’s a Red Flag |
|---|---|
| Offers to “cover” or “waive” your insurance deductible | Illegal in Oklahoma; violates state insurance fraud laws |
| High-pressure sales tactics after a storm | Exploits stress and urgency to get you to sign quickly |
| Lack of a local office or licensing | Makes it difficult to reach them if problems arise |
| Requests for full payment upfront | May disappear before completing the job |
| No written contract or unclear scope of work | Leaves you unprotected if the job is done poorly or not at all |
Real-World Examples in Oklahoma
After the 2023 hail season, dozens of homeowners in the Oklahoma City metro area reported being scammed by contractors who claimed to work with their insurance company. In many cases, these contractors promised to handle everything—including the deductible—only to deliver rushed work, improperly installed shingles, or worse—vanish without completing the job.
One of the most damaging misconceptions is this: If the roofer takes care of the deductible, I save money. In reality, that deductible has to be made up somewhere—typically by cutting corners on your roof or avoiding required permits and inspections.
Know the Law
In Oklahoma, it is a felony to waive or absorb a homeowner’s deductible as part of a roofing contract. The law is designed to prevent insurance fraud and protect homeowners from being taken advantage of.
The Long-Term Cost of “Free” Deductibles
When a contractor offers to pay your deductible, they’re not doing you a favor—they’re making a business decision. And unfortunately, that decision often puts your home at risk.
Cutting Corners Comes at a Cost
Roofer scams rarely involve just paperwork. More often, they reduce their own costs by compromising the materials, labor quality, and installation techniques.
What Gets Compromised?
| Corner Cut | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|
| Lower-grade or leftover materials | Reduced weather resistance, faster shingle failure |
| Fewer or untrained laborers | Poor installation, missed details, and improper ventilation |
| Skipping critical waterproofing | Increases risk of leaks, rot, and mold in attic spaces |
| No final inspection or certification | Home may not qualify for future insurance or Fortified designation |
Insurance Risks and Liability
If your insurance company discovers that your deductible was waived or that unpermitted work was done, they may deny coverage altogether. Even worse, if the roof fails prematurely and causes additional damage, your out-of-pocket costs can skyrocket.
This isn’t just about shingles—it’s about long-term protection, resale value, and your ability to remain insured. A cheap roof today can easily lead to a $20,000 mistake later.
What Ethical Roofers Do Instead
Qualified, local roofers—like McRoof—will:
- Educate you about your legal responsibilities
- Help you navigate your insurance claim properly
- Offer financing options if paying your deductible is difficult
- Use CertainTeed flex shingles and FORTIFIED standards to extend your roof’s life and performance
By choosing integrity over shortcuts, you gain peace of mind and real protection for your home.
Why Fortified Roof Systems Are Worth It
If you’re paying your deductible, you deserve more than just “what you had before.” You deserve a roof that performs better, lasts longer, and lowers your future insurance risk. That’s exactly what a FORTIFIED roof system is designed to do.
What Is a Fortified Roof?
A Fortified roof is built to exceed standard code requirements. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the Fortified standard focuses on using advanced materials and techniques that protect homes against extreme weather—especially hail, high winds, and heavy rains common in Oklahoma.
Fortified Roofing Requirements
| Fortified Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sealed Roof Deck | Prevents water from entering even if shingles are damaged |
| High-performance shingles (e.g. Flex) | Withstand larger hail impacts and extreme temperature changes |
| Enhanced edge protection | Reduces risk of shingle blow-off from high winds |
| Improved installation practices | Ensures the roof performs as a system, not just a layer of shingles |
Why Flex Shingles Outperform the Rest
Flex shingles, like CertainTeed’s NorthGate, are made from modified asphalt polymers that resist cracking and damage from hail better than traditional shingles. These materials have been tested against hail sizes up to 2.5 inches or more—far beyond standard expectations.
Oklahoma Field-Proven Results
McRoof has been using NorthGate Flex shingles across the state since 2018. Thousands of installations later—and across dozens of storms—not a single roof has needed replacement due to hail damage. In fact, the only roof replaced was due to tornado debris, not product failure.
That’s not just marketing—it’s proof.
Roofing for the Future, Not Just the Next Storm
Scammers don’t care about your next storm season—they care about their next job. Fortified roofers, like McRoof, take a long-term view:
- Better protection = fewer claims
- Fewer claims = lower premiums over time
- Stronger roofs = higher resale value
If you’re paying your deductible anyway, wouldn’t you rather invest it in a roof that lasts?
Cutting corners on your deductible might seem like a win—but in reality, it’s a setup for costly headaches down the line. Roofing scams that offer to “eat your deductible” often use substandard materials, skip critical steps, and put your warranty—and your property—at risk.
Fortunately, there’s a better path. McRoof specializes in FORTIFIED roofing systems that are built to last, especially in Oklahoma’s high-wind and hail zones. Our team believes in transparency, legality, and protecting homeowners—not exploiting them.
Don’t gamble with your home. Visit https://mcroof.us/ to learn how we help protect your property the right way—or contact us directly to schedule your free inspection or ask about insurance-based roofing options.