Before you hire a company to work on your roof, it’s important to make sure that everything is completely on the up and up. And in the case of roofing contractors insurance, this is doubly true.

When most people think of roofing contractors insurance, filing a claim against their own homeowners policy for roof repair or replacement is the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, it’s important to understand how this tricky subject works, but don’t forget that the roofing contractors insurance coverage is equally important.

Find out more about the two types of insurance program and how they affect you.

Homeowners Insurance – Before You File a Claim for Roofing

1. Immediately following a severe storm or another calamity such as a fallen tree, look at your roof for obvious signs of damage. (Be cautious, though, as your roof may be unstable.) Take photos and make notes to document what you see.
2. Check your homeowners policy for 3 things: whether it covers natural disasters, how much the deductible is and whether the policy contains any stipulations as how repairs must be performed.
3. Contact the insurance provider regarding your claim and obtain estimates from several roofing professionals. Find out whether these estimates should be submitted to you or directly to the insurer.
4. TIP: If the necessary roof repair will amount to less than 3 times your deductible (for example, $1,200 worth of repairs with a $500 deductible), you’re better off paying the cost yourself, rather than raising your insurance premium.
5. Although insurance companies use their own in-house adjusters, they’re naturally biased. It’s a good idea to ask for quotes from public insurance adjusters to accurately assess the value of your insurance claim.

Roofing Contractors Insurance Coverage

The other side of the story is the insurance that all reliable roofing contractors must have – bonding, liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This will protect you in case of a claim for any accident, theft or damage to neighboring property while the roofer is working at your home.

When you are looking for roofers, make valid up-to-date insurance coverage one of your priorities, along with free estimates and a good reputation.