Advocating for Consumer and Contractor Rights in Iowa: Garen Armstrong’s Stand Against the Iowa Insurance Department
Garen Armstrong, CEO of Shamrock Roofing & Construction, is leading a legal battle against the Iowa Insurance Department (IID). His lawsuit addresses what he views as the systematic suppression of contractors’ ability to advocate for homeowners and a violation of fundamental consumer rights. Shamrock Roofing, a trusted name in the Midwest, has stood for quality service and customer advocacy for over 50 years. Garen’s fight represents not just contractors but also the consumers whose insurance claims are being unfairly denied.
For over half a century, Shamrock Roofing has been a beacon of trust for Midwestern homeowners, expanding to multiple states and providing roofing solutions after catastrophic storms. The company is rooted in values of integrity, stemming from its foundation as a family-owned business. Garen took over in 2016 and has grown the business, maintaining its customer-first principles. Now, Garen is leading a fight to protect homeowners’ rights against insurance companies that refuse to play fair.
The Fight for Fairness in Insurance
The core issue Garen identifies is that the IID’s regulations, driven by insurance company lobbying, are limiting contractors’ ability to guide homeowners through the insurance claims process. These regulations have muzzled contractors like Shamrock Roofing from educating their clients on how to navigate complex insurance policies, leaving consumers in the dark when their homes are damaged after storms.
Armstrong shared his frustration: “We’re the first call of defense for homeowners after a storm. They trust us to help them restore their homes, but the Iowa Insurance Department has made it nearly impossible for us to communicate vital information about their insurance process.” This inability to speak up has left thousands of homeowners across Iowa without the support they need in the aftermath of devastating weather events.
UPPA 2.0 and Consumer Protection
Garen stresses that the current law, UPPA, needs to evolve to protect both contractors and consumers. He explains that contractors should be able to inform homeowners about their options without taking over the role of public adjusters. “Only 2% of people know what a public adjuster is, yet we’re told to direct homeowners to them, even when it’s not practical,” Armstrong pointed out.
Public adjusters often won’t take claims under $50,000, leaving many homeowners without guidance. Armstrong says, “I think a solution is UPPA 2.0 and that’s where it does not apply to claims less than $50,000. I think that there is a need for public adjusters, especially in large loss claims.” By muzzling contractors, the Iowa Insurance Department sides with insurers, making it harder for consumers to navigate claims.
The Bigger Picture: Systematic Fraud in Insurance
Armstrong’s lawsuit also addresses broader concerns of insurance fraud. In Iowa, Armstrong says, unlicensed adjusters are sent by insurance companies to underpay or deny claims, leaving homeowners vulnerable. He points out that this is part of a larger pattern of insurers avoiding their responsibility to policyholders.
“The real conflict of interest lies with the insurance companies. They’ve been allowed to continue systematic fraud while contractors like us, who are trying to help, are being villainized,” Armstrong said.
Challenges of Expansion in Iowa
Shamrock Roofing had planned to make Des Moines a hub for their expanding operations in the Midwest, with the goal of growing into the Quad Cities. However, the business environment created by the IID has forced them to rethink those plans. Armstrong admitted that while he still loves Iowa and wants to continue working there, the state’s anti-business policies have slowed their expansion.
“We’re pulling back on marketing and recruitment because it’s just not a business-friendly state right now,” Armstrong said. “I’ve slowed down plans for growth in Iowa, but I’m not giving up. I filed this lawsuit to make a change.”
A Call for Solutions
Despite the conflict, Armstrong remains optimistic. He believes there are better ways for the IID to regulate contractors while fostering a healthy business environment. “There are models from other states that Iowa can adopt,” Armstrong said. “In states like Missouri and Kansas, contractors are allowed to inform their clients without restrictions. We’re not looking to take over the insurance companies’ role, but we want transparency and fairness.”
Armstrong also suggests that, along with raising the UPPA threshold to $50,000, states should require all contractors to have a proper contractor’s license and insurance. He points out that states like Texas, which also do not require a contractor’s license, face the same problems as Iowa. “We contractors have to do our part to raise the integrity bar in the industry, even though the insurance companies have unclean hands! We need to be beyond reproach,” Armstrong emphasized.
Armstrong believes that licensed contractors with the right protections in place would help increase trust and accountability, benefiting consumers and ensuring fairer processes across the board.
Conclusion
Garen Armstrong’s lawsuit against the Iowa Insurance Department is more than just a legal battle; it’s a fight for the rights of homeowners and contractors. His commitment to consumer advocacy and fair business practices stands firm. If successful, his case could change how contractors and insurance companies interact, ensuring homeowners get the support they need after a disaster.
Armstrong’s final message was clear: “I’m here for the consumer. I want to help restore homes and ensure people are treated fairly by their insurance companies.”