What's up with supplementing?
When it comes to roofing, supplementing for The Catch-All isn’t just a smart move—it’s actually a requirement to stay compliant with insurance policies. We’ve heard from some of you that think it’s impossible to get it covered in a claim, but we’ve heard from even more saying you’ve had success. Okay, okay. Time to spill the tea. There’s a common clause in nearly every homeowner’s - and many commercial property - insurance policies known as the mitigation clause. This clause requires the insured to take “reasonable steps” to protect the property from further damage. For example, tarping a roof after a storm has caused damage.
So, how does The Catch-All play into this? Simple: it shields the property from additional damage during roof replacements and repairs. Without protection, debris like shingles and building materials can damage shrubs, flowers or other landscaping, siding, stucco, or even cause scratches to expensive equipment like air conditioner units. Contractors and homeowners alike could find themselves liable if proper care isn’t taken to avoid such damage.
Let’s worst case scenario this. A nail falls into an A/C unit, and it is damaged beyond repair. If the property isn’t protected, that would be considered negligence - and if you’ve ever replaced an HVAC unit, it’s a nightmare. It’s the contractor’s duty to use a reasonable degree of care to avoid causing damage during the job. Neglecting this responsibility isn’t just careless—it can be a breach of contract according to most insurance policies.
That’s why The Catch-All is a valuable compliance tool for both contractors and the insured. It enables homeowners to meet their obligations under the mitigation clause, and it allows contractors to work professionally without risking liability for damages.
Level the Playingfield, a popular Facebook group for roofers, emphasizes the importance of using tools like The Catch-All to protect both the property and the contractor’s business. If you’ve ever had questions about supplementing or how insurance and contracting intersect, we encourage you to reach out or join the free Facebook group. You can also visit them at leveltheplayingfield.us to download a free copy of their book, Level the Playingfield.