The short answer
When your insurer is watching, you need more from a roofer than a good price. You need a licensed, insured roofer, a clear written scope, and paperwork your insurer will accept. Ask the questions below of every roofer, and get the important answers in writing.
Is this you?
- Your insurer wants a repair, a roof certification, or a new roof by a deadline.
- You are getting quotes and want to compare roofers fairly.
- You are helping a parent and want a list to bring to the meeting.
How to check a roofer’s license in your state
Licensing rules differ a lot from state to state. Some states license roofers. Others leave it to cities and counties, or have no license at all.
- Florida: look up the license on MyFloridaLicense.com, the state’s licensing site. Florida’s Department of Financial Services also suggests checking workers’ compensation coverage.
- California: check the license on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website or call 800-321-2752.
- Texas: the state does not license roofers. Ask for local references, check reviews, and look for membership in a roofing trade group.
- Other states: search for your state’s contractor licensing board, and ask your city or county building department what a roofer needs to work there.
License and insurance
- Are you licensed for roofing here, and what is your license number? Write it down and look it up yourself.
- Can you send me your certificate of insurance? Ask for general liability and workers’ compensation. If a worker is hurt on your roof, you do not want that bill.
- What is your local address, and how long have you worked in this area? A local office matters if you need warranty work later.
- Will your own crew do the work, or a subcontractor? If it is a subcontractor, ask whether they are licensed and insured too.
The job itself
- What exactly is wrong with my roof, and can you show me photos? Ask for a written report, not just a verbal opinion.
- Could a repair be enough for my insurer, or does it truly need replacing? An honest roofer will tell you if a repair plus a certification may work.
- Will you pull the permit and schedule the final inspection? Your insurer may want proof the job passed.
- What materials will you use, and could any of them lower my premium? Some insurers give discounts for impact-resistant shingles or a FORTIFIED roof. A FORTIFIED roof must be installed by a FORTIFIED-certified roofer and checked by an independent evaluator.
- When can you start, when will you finish, and what happens if weather delays you? Compare those dates with your insurer’s deadline.
Insurance paperwork
- Will you write a roof certification my insurer will accept? Ask what it will include: years of useful life left, your license number, photos, and a signature. Check with your insurer first about whose signature it accepts. See our guide to roof certifications.
- Will you give me dated photos before, during, and after the work? Insurers often want proof of the finished roof.
- Will the final invoice list the completion date, the materials, and the permit number? Your insurer uses these to update your roof’s age.
- In Florida: can you fill out or help with the wind mitigation form? A new roof can earn credits. See our wind mitigation guide.
- Will you talk to my insurer or adjuster, and what would you ask me to sign? You can share reports, but read every form. Florida’s Department of Financial Services warns that you are not required to sign documents that let a contractor deal with your insurer for you.
Money and payments
- How much is the deposit, and when are the other payments due? In California, the down payment cannot be more than 10 percent of the price or $1,000, whichever is less. Florida’s Department of Financial Services says an advance should never be more than 50 percent of the price.
- Is everything in a written contract with no blanks? It should list the work, materials, total price, and start and finish dates.
- Are you offering to cover my deductible? That should end the conversation. In Texas it is illegal for a contractor to waive your deductible or offer a rebate for it.
- Do you offer financing, and what are the full terms? Compare the rate and fees with other options before you sign.
Warranty
- What workmanship warranty do you give, and for how long? Get it in writing, with what it covers.
- Does the manufacturer’s warranty need to be registered, and will you do it? Ask for a copy of the warranty and any registration.
Answers that should worry you
| If the roofer says… | Why it is a red flag |
|---|---|
| “We can cover your deductible.” | Illegal in Texas and a sign of possible insurance fraud elsewhere. |
| “Pay in full today and we will start next month.” | Large up-front payments are a common way people lose money. |
| “Just sign here so we can handle your insurance.” | You may be giving away control of your claim or policy. |
| “No need for a permit.” | Your insurer may want proof the work passed inspection. |
| “Your whole roof is shot” (with no photos) | Get a second opinion from someone with nothing to sell you. |
For more warning signs, see our guide to roofer scams.
Good to know
Bring the same printed list to every roofer and write their answers next to each question. It makes quotes easy to compare, and it shows roofers you are paying attention.
Want a local roofer to answer these questions?
A local roofer can check your roof and tell you whether a repair, a roof certification, or a replacement makes sense. Free, with no obligation.
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Common questions
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three written quotes for the same scope of work is a good rule. If one is much lower than the others, ask what it leaves out. The Texas Department of Insurance gives the same advice.
Should the roofer who certifies my roof also replace it?
They can, but get a second opinion before agreeing to a full replacement. A roofer who sells replacements has a reason to recommend one.
What should I send my insurer after the job?
Usually the final invoice, the permit sign-off, dated photos, and any certification letter. Ask your insurer to update your roof year and confirm your renewal in writing.
Can a roofer negotiate with my insurance company for me?
Be careful. Rules on who can negotiate a claim for you vary by state. Stay in charge of your policy, keep copies of everything, and read any form before you sign it.
Where to go next
- How to choose a roofer
- How much time do I have to replace my roof?
- Will a new roof lower my insurance?
Sources (7)
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- What seniors should know before you hire a contractor (California Contractors State License Board)
- Don’t be a victim: prevent contractor fraud and abuse (Florida Department of Financial Services)
- Can a contractor waive my deductible? (Texas Department of Insurance)
- State law cracks down on roof scams (Texas Department of Insurance)
- How do you shop for a roofer since Texas doesn’t license them? (WFAA)
- Getting started with FORTIFIED (IBHS FORTIFIED Home)
- Replacing your roof (Texas Department of Insurance)