Can you sign an invoice for more than the work you did?
Short answer. No. Signing an invoice or completion certificate for more than the work you did is insurance fraud, even on the homeowner's policy. Invoice only for the work you actually performed.
Work it through
You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.
A homeowner had storm damage to their roof. Their insurance adjuster approved a $12,000 claim. The homeowner wants you to do the repair for $8,000 and sign off that the full $12,000 was spent so they can pocket the $4,000 difference.
"It's my insurance money. I can use it how I want."
- Correct
Signing a completion certificate or invoice for $12,000 when you performed $8,000 in work is insurance fraud. It doesn't matter that it's the homeowner's policy. Your signature on fraudulent documentation makes you a co-conspirator. Criminal charges, license revocation, and civil liability follow. Do the work honestly. Invoice for what you actually performed.
- Also correct
You perform the work, you invoice honestly for what you did. If the insurance company overpaid the claim, that's between the homeowner and their insurer. As long as YOUR documentation is accurate, you're clean. Never sign anything that misrepresents the scope or cost of your work.
All 9 cancellation rights & consumer protection questions
- What must a door-to-door home improvement contract include?
- Does every homeowner have a 3-day right to cancel?
- Does a home show sale carry a 3-day right to cancel?
- What should you do about a pressured sale to an elderly homeowner?
- What happens when a contractor is accused of exploiting an elderly client?
- Can contractors raise prices after a storm in Maryland?
- Is writing a second contract for the insurance company fraud?
- Can you sign an invoice for more than the work you did?
- How does COMAR regulate model home and referral offers?