Getting Multiple Quotes for a Storm-Damaged Roof: Don’t Do It!

We get it!  Getting multiple quotes helps you make the best decision when hiring a roofing contractor for your roof repair or replacement. We also know that most homeowners get numerous quotes to compare prices, not necessarily for the quality of the service, and we aren’t judging. Considering how financially challenging a roofing project can be, it is very understandable. Although getting multiple quotes for your storm-damaged roof on an average day isn’t such a bad idea,  it isn’t advisable when insurance is involved.

Is Getting Multiple Quotes for a Storm-Damaged Roof a Good Idea?

Getting several quotes for a regular roofing project is typical and expected if you want to make the best possible decision. However, for a storm damage repair project, getting multiple quotes won’t do you any good. 

When handling a storm damage repair, your sole purpose is to reverse the state of your home to what it was before the storm with coverage from your insurance company. They have to pay you the amount the roofing contractor proposes or their summary sum, excluding your deductible. They do this not to cheat you but to ensure they do not cover more than they are bound to. So, when you get several quotes, you only increase your chances of getting less from your insurance company. 

Reasons You Shouldn’t Get Multiple Quotes for a Storm-Damage Roof

Below are some reasons why you shouldn’t get multiple quotes if you have an insurance claim:

1. Your insurance company specifies the cost and area of work

After your insurance company approves your claim, they will give you an estimate, including the cost and statement of work for your roof replacement. However, roofing companies do not have the exact pricing, and estimates from insurance companies do not account for them. The difference in pricing doesn’t change the fact that, in several cases, the insurance’s estimate will be less than the roofer’s. Hence, getting multiple quotes from roofers when there’s an already fixed price only succeeds in making things complicated for you. Of course, pricing is significant. However, it shouldn’t be your focus when you have an insurance claim.

2. There’s no surplus money to keep from your claim

The chances of your insurance company covering the total cost of your storm-damaged roof are high. However, suppose you locate a roofing company willing to do the job at a price lower than your insurance has decided. In that case, you can’t keep the balance from what they will eventually spend. Do you now see why trying to get multiple quotes to get the cheapest prices is pointless?

You might not know this, but holding on to whatever’s left after the insurance’s work scope is not legal if you have an RCV policy. An RCV policy demands proof that you followed the statement of work before they proceed to make the final payment.

3. It makes you an easy prey to insurance scams and shoddy work

It is not exactly a secret that unqualified, dishonest roofers work so hard to defraud property owners who desperately need to get their roofs back in shape as soon as possible during a storm attack. 

They could convince you to sign some paperwork before assessing the situation, locking you into an agreement you can’t break out of once your insurance company grants your claim. The scenario usually looks like this: they offer you a deal that is too good to be honest. And you know what they say about such things? If it’s too good to be true, then it most likely isn’t true, and you should run as far as your legs can get you.

Successfully getting you to sign paperwork means you will be getting poor workmanship, substandard materials, and maybe further damage to your roof. You might want to get some aspirin in advance for the headache they might cause you.

This doesn’t mean this is always the case with all roofers. It’s just unfortunate that there are many greedy people waiting to feed on the desperation of some homeowners. So, getting several quotes for your roof damage by a storm will only put you at risk of encountering scammers. Working with a local roofer with a good track record is best.

4. Your insurance company may not cover additional damage the roofer discovers during repairs

When you get multiple quotes and your insurance company goes with the cheapest one, you will get that exact amount, excluding your deductibles. However, in a case where your roofer discovers more damage during the repair, you might just be on your own. Your insurance company may claim that they are not accountable for further costs due to the uncovered damage before the agreement to the initial bid.

5. It can be a waste of valuable time

Getting several quotes from different roofing companies can be an absolute waste of time that is barely enough to utilize. Do you know why? It is because it involves a lot of research, appointments, several presentations, and going over different quotes. Let’s not forget that you will also have insurance to deal with. But all for what? To be disadvantaged.

In addition to wasting your time, getting multiple quotes will make the process of getting your storm-damaged roof slower than it already is. We recommend doing minimal research and hiring an established contractor in your locality. When you find one, present them the paperwork for your insurance claim, and your roof will get fixed faster than when you get multiple quotes.

Conclusion

After reading all that, do you still think getting multiple quotes for your storm-damaged roof is a good idea? We guess not. As we mentioned earlier, it is a waste of time that you can use for more productive activities.

This is not to discourage you from carrying out proper findings before deciding on a roofing contractor to get the job done; we are just saying not to spend it trying to get several quotes to get the least cost. Remember, doing that makes you an easy prey for incompetent roofers. Don’t fall for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when to repair or replace your roof?

Generally, you can fix minor damage by simply patching or repairing your roof. However, in the case of severe damage, we recommend that you replace your roof. There are other points to factor in when deciding whether to replace or fix your roof.  

Why would a roof need to be replaced?

There are different elements that make your roof decline before it reaches its expected lifespan. They include storm damage, mold growth, ice dams, etc. If you notice that your shingles are coming off your roof or are curling, you may need to replace your roof.