You’ve received an estimate from your insurance carrier concerning work on your roof. The insurance company sent out an adjuster who surveyed the damage and determined an estimate for the repairs. You’re now wondering whether you should pass this information on to other roofing contractors you may notify. It’s obvious that some people don’t want to do that for fear of a non-reputable roofing company or roofing scammers getting hold of a claim and trying to bilk you out of money. So, what should you do?
Roofers are on Your Side
Believe it or not, most residential roofing services want to do what’s best for any homeowner facing roofing dilemmas and want to represent them fairly. Many times a good roofing company will check for any other damage that an adjuster has missed.
You don’t have to accept the first estimate or statement of work (SOW) through your insurance company. In fact, second and third opinions are allowed from other roofing contractors. There really is no reason why a roofing contractor would use an initial estimate against you, particularly when you accept the estimate for work from the original estimate.
There may be reasons behind an initial estimate being used against you. For example, if you’ve hired a roofer who agrees with the estimate and immediately asks for a deposit, there may be questionable concerns. If you are feeling unsure about plunking down a deposit or have other issues, call other roofing contractors for a roof inspection and estimate.
Providing an Estimate
Should you provide an insurance estimate to the roofing contractor you choose? That depends on a number of things.
Developing a certain level of trust with your roofing contractor is important. If you feel that they have your best interest at heart, then trust them to follow through with your claim and complete the roof repair or replacement work.
If you’re suspicious or doubtful of the roofing contractor, go ahead and get several estimates before you choose the contractor who will give you the most accurate and inclusive price.
Other Issues
Problems abound when a homeowner feels and believes that their policy should cover everything. With an insurance provider, their goal is to pay out as little as possible on a claim. When you need to dispute a claim, you’ll want a knowledgeable roofing contractor who knows and understands the process. Good home roofing contractors should be able to provide viable evidence for a roofing claim and take you through the whole claims process. In addition, a knowledgeable contractor should know enough about roof damage to determine whether or not additional work is needed. They should also be able to compare the original estimate as to the
damage they see. The objective of a good roofing contractor is not to commit fraud or get more money through a claim, but to make an honest transaction that’s fair to all parties concerned.
Adjustors aren’t Roofers
During the estimate process, an adjustor decides about roofing problems through a standard template and not all roof areas are going to be the same. There are certain items on a roof that will be on one roof and not another. Codes vary for different counties and states. So, every adjustor who climbs on your roof to examine it won’t be familiar with every item that requires repairs. Also, when big storms hit an area, many adjustors come in from other states. Remember, adjusters aren’t foolproof roof installers. Most aren’t exactly aware of the materials and labor involved in a roof installation. It’s simply a given that whatever roofing contractor you choose should review your claim for added extras that were either not added or missed altogether.
Reviewing a Claim
When you allow a trustworthy roofing contractor access to your claim, you’re giving them permission to submit an invoice that’s comparable to the original estimate and is one that helps you receive money for repairs more quickly. You also want anything else included for code upgrades or other items not included on the original estimate. You want payment for your claim, and obviously the roofing contractor wants his fair share for work done. With a roofing company on your side, you should be fully paid for what you are owed for roofing repairs.
Contractors
There are roofing contractors who will use an estimate as the shortest route to the payout. They will go by the original estimate without verifying the estimate or its accuracy. Without checking the damage report or reviewing the initial estimate, a homeowner is at risk of increasing the chances of paying out-of-pocket expenses. This makes it critical to work with a roofing contractor who thoroughly reviews an estimate and makes sure that you don’t have to pay added expenses.
Another thing that’s important to your claim is that the roofing contractor you use reviews and understands your claim and homeowner’s insurance policy. Your roofer should know and understand what your policy covers under your policy. Most policies have time limitations for completing roofing projects and rarely include code upgrades. In addition, anything that is considered cosmetic probably won’t be covered. Some policies (Actual Cash Value ACV) pay for only part of any repairs. A good roofer will be able to discuss all of these issues with you and include anything unforeseen in the final price. Thoroughly reviewing your claim stops additional costs from being inserted in your project.
Most roofing contractors are in the business of providing a skill as well as reputable and honest service. They understand the ins and outs of an estimate and how to deal with insurance companies. If you’re still unsure as to whether you should show your contractor your insurance
estimate, call us at 856-264-9093. We’ll fully answer any questions or concerns you may have.
