The Calm After the Storm Can Be Risky
Storms can be unpredictable. The process of filing a claim, selecting a roofing contractor, and fixing the damage to your roof shouldn’t be.
If you’ve just been hit by hail, wind, or other severe weather, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But taking the right steps early can make all the difference—in both how quickly your home is repaired and how smoothly your insurance claim goes.
Here’s what to do:
1. Document the Damage
Grab your phone and take clear photos of your roof, gutters, siding, and any interior areas where water may have leaked in. Don’t climb on the roof—just capture what you can safely from the ground or an upper window.
Photos help establish the timeline and severity of the damage—both for your insurer and any contractors you work with.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Start a claim as soon as possible. Most carriers have online claim forms or 24/7 call centers. Once your claim is open, your insurer will walk you through the next steps, which might include an inspection or a virtual assessment.
3. Beware of Storm Chasers
You don’t have to rely on the first flyer that shows up at your door. Storm chasers flock to the area impacted by a storm and go door-to-door, pressuring homeowners into signing contracts on the spot. Many ignore local solicitation laws or lack proper licensing altogether.
Tip: Never sign anything immediately. Take time to verify credentials and compare options.
With RoofMarketplace, your insurer can connect your claim with licensed, vetted local roofers—contractors who are already familiar with insurance timelines and documentation.
You receive multiple bids directly, review their profiles and warranty info, and choose who you want to work with.
This puts control back in your hands—without the guesswork.
4. Verify Licensing and Insurance from the Roofing Contractor
Before hiring any contractor, ask for:
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- Their state contractor license number
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- Proof of liability insurance
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- Workers’ compensation coverage
Every state has its own licensing requirements and verification tools. To protect yourself, use your state’s official contractor license lookup to confirm credentials. You can usually find this by searching “[Your State] contractor license verification” or by visiting your state’s consumer protection or licensing board website.
Tip: If a contractor hesitates to provide this information, that’s a red flag.
5. Review the Warranties
Don’t just go with the lowest bid. Make sure your contractor includes both material and workmanship warranties. These will protect you not just from future weather events but from any quality issues that might arise after the work is done.
RoofMarketplace ensures that all participating contractors meet minimum coverage standards—and you can see their warranty details up front.
6. Read the Fine Print
Before signing, make sure your contract clearly outlines:
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- Scope of work
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- Materials to be used
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- Timeline
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- Payment terms
Avoid signing “authorization to proceed” forms that may lock you into a contract without your full understanding.
7. Keep Everything Documented
Between inspections, paperwork, and scheduling, roofing claims can get complicated fast. RoofMarketplace gives homeowners a centralized place to track bids, view timelines, and keep messages in one place—so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
And because we work directly with your insurer, communication stays aligned every step of the way.
8. Report Any Suspicious Activity
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Report a suspicious roofing contractor or scams to your state’s consumer protection agency or licensing board. Most states have online portals or hotlines where you can file a complaint or verify a contractor’s credentials.
Helpful tips:
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- Search “[your state] contractor license lookup” to verify credentials.
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- Contact your state attorney general’s office or department of consumer protection to report fraud.
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- Use the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) to find your state’s reporting resources.
Peace of Mind Starts With the Right Tools and the Right Roofing Contractor
Getting your roof fixed shouldn’t be stressful. With the right support and a clear process, it won’t be.
RoofMarketplace exists to make the roofing claim experience faster, more transparent, and less frustrating—for everyone involved.
