Do I Really Need 3 Bids to Get My Insurance Company to Replace My Roof?
Hailstorms, strong winds, and other damaging weather events can leave your roof worse for wear. While filing your insurance claim to restore your roof, you have a lot to consider before choosing a roofing contractor . One common suggestion that comes up is for homeowners to gather 3 bids before making a choice. Is this the best way to proceed? In this article, we’ll cover the advantages and disadvantages of getting 3 bids for your roof insurance claim.
What are the down sides for getting multiple bids for my roofing claim?
It’s true that some insurance companies and policies recommend that you get 3 bids for your claim. Here are the challenges with that recommendation:
- Project Delays: Spending days (or even weeks) getting bids delays your roofing project. The time it takes you to research, contact, and schedule estimate appointments with multiple roofing companies quickly adds up. During this time, your roof is still compromised. You can save time and get your roof back in safe condition sooner. Follow these steps to finding a quality roofing contractor.
- It’s Important to Focus on Quality, Not Just the Price: It might be tempting to gather 3 bids for your roofing project so you can select the one with the lowest price. However, it’s important to be aware that the cheapest bid might not always be the best. When looking at roofing estimates, you should prioritize reputable contractors who use high-quality materials and offer the best warranties.
- Price Shopping Doesn’t Save You Money: Unless you choose to add upgrades to your roofing project, the only amount you are expected to pay is your deductible when using insurance proceeds for your roof. By selecting the cheapest option, your insurance company is saving money; not you. Your insurance company is getting your permission to pay for a lower-quality installation. Lower prices mean cheaper materials and short cuts during installation. Your roof (and your home) can suffer as a result.
TIP: If someone says “it’s REQUIRED that you get three bids” check your insurance policy to be sure this is accurate. In Colorado, your insurance company is required to allow you to hire any roofing company you choose. Click here to learn more about how roof insurance claims work.
What are the Benefits of Getting Multiple Bids?
You may be wondering “do I really need to get 3 bids for my roof insurance claim?” There can be advantages to getting multiple bids:
- Finding the Right Fit: Getting multiple bids gives you the chance to interact with different roofing contractors. Choose someone who inspires confidence, answers your questions, and outlines the project effectively.
- Quality Assessment: Roofing isn’t something you want to cut corners on, so it’s important to focus on quality. Getting a second estimate may give you a different opinion on what’s best for your roof and cover issues or problems not discussed in the first estimate. Sometimes comparing assessments can also give you clarity if you’re not sure the estimator is giving you an estimate for the most quality project.
- Quality Installation: Detailed estimates provide insight into the scope of work each roofer offers. You can compare the materials they recommend, the level of detail in their proposals, and any warranties they offer.
Do I need to get 3 Bids for My Roof Insurance Claim? The Takeaway:
Getting 3 bids for your roof insurance claim can be helpful, but it’s not always the best or most efficient option. You can save time and get your roof back in top shape quickly by following these tips. Do you need a roof assessment? At Rampart Roofing, Inc., we specialize in storm damage restoration. Give us a call at (719) 487-7663 today or contact us online to schedule a free roofing estimate today.
