SB SB1206
Arizona Senate Bill 1206 · Plain-language guide

Arizona's storm-claim law, in plain English.

SB1206 changes how roofing contractors and public adjusters can work with homeowners after a storm-related insurance claim. This is a free public resource that explains what it means for each side — and links you straight to the official text of the law.

See what changed Read the law →
The basics

What is SB1206?

Senate Bill 1206 is Arizona legislation (57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session) titled "storm related insurance claims." Its purpose is to set clearer rules — and some firm prohibitions — for the two kinds of professionals a homeowner often deals with after storm damage: the contractor who does the repairs and the public adjuster who helps with the insurance claim.

It does this by amending three parts of Arizona law: the definitions and conduct rules for adjusters (A.R.S. § 20-321 and § 20-321.02), and the requirements for residential construction contracts tied to insurance claims (A.R.S. § 32-1158.02). In practice, the goal is to keep the roles separate, protect the homeowner's right to walk away, and stop high-pressure tactics during an active emergency.

The summaries on this page are written in everyday language so all three audiences — roofers, adjusters, and homeowners — can understand the gist quickly. For anything you're relying on, the official text of the law is the authority, and it's linked in the section below.

At a glance

Six key changes

The provisions people ask about most. Each notes the section of Arizona law it comes from.

🕑

Two cancellation windows

A homeowner can cancel within 72 hours after the insurer denies the claim, and within 4 business days after signing for any reason at all.

A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(B), (C)
💰

50% down-payment cap

A contractor may not require more than half of the total contract amount as an up-front payment.

A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(E)
🚫

No "we'll pay your deductible"

Contractors may not advertise, promise, or issue payment for a homeowner's insurance deductible.

A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(J)
⚖️

Contractor ≠ adjuster

A contractor can't also act as the adjuster or negotiate the claim settlement, and may contact the insurer only with the homeowner's written consent and no extra pay for it.

A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(L)
📋

Fuller repair estimates

Estimates must spell out the damage and its location, include documentation, itemize any emergency repairs, note whether the roof was physically accessed, and state that no coverage is assured.

A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(I)
🌪️

No soliciting mid-emergency

Neither contractors nor adjusters may pitch a work or representation agreement while a loss-producing event is still happening — with a carve-out for essential services or preventing further damage.

§ 32-1158.02(O) · § 20-321.02
Who this affects
For roofing
contractors
  • Keep deposits at or below 50%. Up-front collection above half the contract total isn't allowed on these jobs.
  • Don't offer to cover the deductible. Paying, rebating, or advertising to absorb a homeowner's deductible is prohibited.
  • Stay in your lane on the claim. You can build the job, but you can't act as the adjuster or negotiate the settlement — and you need written consent even to talk to the insurer.
  • Spell out the estimate. Describe the damage and its location, document it, itemize emergency work, note whether you physically got on the roof, and state plainly that coverage isn't guaranteed.
  • Honor the homeowner's exits. Build the two cancellation windows (72 hours after a denial; 4 business days after signing) into how you sign and start work.
  • No storm-chasing pitches mid-event. Don't solicit agreements while the loss-producing event is ongoing, except to keep essential services running or prevent further damage.
Who this affects
For public
adjusters
  • No pitching during an active loss. You can't propose to represent an insured while a loss-producing event is continuing or during an emergency response.
  • Don't work both sides of the job. You can't participate in the restoration or repair of the same property you're adjusting.
  • The insured signs their own checks. You can't endorse an insurance payment instrument without the insured's direct signature.
  • Watch the widened definition. SB1206 broadens who counts as an "adjuster" — including soliciting, investigating, or advising on claims for a company that performs adjustment services.
Note: The adjuster provisions live in A.R.S. § 20-321 and § 20-321.02. The exact wording and any exceptions control — see the official text below.
Who this affects
For
homeowners
  • You have two ways out. Cancel within 4 business days of signing for any reason — and within 72 hours if your insurer denies the claim.
  • Half down is the ceiling. A contractor shouldn't ask for more than 50% of the job up front.
  • "We'll cover your deductible" is a red flag. That offer isn't allowed — be cautious with anyone who makes it.
  • Your contractor isn't your adjuster. They can't negotiate your claim for you, and they need your written OK just to speak with your insurer.
  • Nobody should pressure you mid-storm. Soliciting your signature while the event is still happening isn't permitted (except to prevent further damage).
  • Get it in writing. A compliant estimate describes the damage, documents it, and states that coverage is not guaranteed.
Straight from the source

Read or download the law

Everything above is a plain-language summary. The official text below is the real, controlling document — published by the Arizona State Legislature.

Arizona SB1206 — official bill text

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session. Published by the Arizona State Legislature (azleg.gov). We link the official source so you always get the authoritative version.

📄 Download the text (PDF) Download the summary (PDF) View on azleg.gov →
This site is a plain-language explainer, not legal advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the State of Arizona. Summaries may simplify or omit detail, and a bill's status, wording, and effective dates can change. For anything you're relying on, read the official text linked above, confirm the current status on the Arizona Legislature's record, and consult a licensed Arizona attorney about your situation.
Common questions

SB1206 FAQ

Who does SB1206 apply to?
Primarily two groups working with homeowners on storm-related insurance claims: residential contractors (the repair side, under A.R.S. § 32-1158.02) and public adjusters (the claims side, under A.R.S. § 20-321 and § 20-321.02). Homeowners benefit from the protections but don't have obligations under it.
Can a contractor pay or "eat" my deductible?
No. Under A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(J), a contractor may not advertise to pay, issue payment for, or promise to pay an insurance deductible. If someone offers to cover yours, treat it as a warning sign.
How long do I have to cancel a contract?
Two windows apply: within 4 business days after signing, for any reason, and within 72 hours after your insurer denies the claim (A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(B) and (C)). Always confirm the exact wording in the official text.
Why can't my roofer just handle the insurance claim for me?
SB1206 keeps the roles separate. A contractor can't also act as the adjuster or negotiate the settlement, and can only communicate with your insurer with your written consent and without separate compensation for it (A.R.S. § 32-1158.02(L)). Negotiating a claim is adjuster work, which is licensed and regulated.
Is this the same as an "AOB" or assignment of benefits?
No — those are different documents. SB1206 governs contractor and adjuster conduct and contract terms. An assignment of insurance benefits is a separate agreement with its own considerations; if one is put in front of you, it's worth having your own attorney review it before signing.
Where can I read the actual law?
In the section above — we link the Arizona State Legislature's official PDF, the online HTML version, and the official bill summary so you're always reading the authoritative source.

Need a compliant contract?

Generate a free, branded roofing or public-adjuster agreement built around SB1206's requirements — ready in a couple of minutes, as a fillable PDF and Word file.

Open the free contract tool →