Bill > HB677

This bill aims to protect residential property owners by regulating insurance policies and roofing contractor practices. It prohibits insurance companies from refusing coverage, canceling, or increasing premiums for owner-occupied dwellings solely based on the age or condition of the roof, with specific exceptions related to asphalt shingle roofs less than 15 years old or those with at least five years of useful life remaining, as determined by an authorized inspector. The bill also introduces new regulations for roofing contractors, prohibiting them from waiving insurance deductibles, engaging in misleading advertising, offering inducements to make insurance claims, or failing to provide good faith estimates for repairs. Contractors must include specific disclosures in their contracts, including advising homeowners to verify coverage with their insurance company. Furthermore, homeowners can cancel roofing contracts within a specified period if the contract was signed within 180 days of a declared state of emergency in their area. Violations of these contractor provisions are subject to enforcement under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, which is a set of laws designed to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB677