What Role Does a Roofing Contractor Play in an Insurance Claim?
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If you're filing a roof insurance claim or considering one, it's natural to wonder what role your roofing contractor can actually play in the process. Can they negotiate with your insurance company, meet with your insurance adjuster, or are they limited to inspecting your roof and documenting the damage?
At Happy Roofing, we regularly inspect roofs for homeowners throughout the greater Naperville area who have experienced roof damage and are considering filing claims. While we don't act on our customers' behalf with insurance companies, we do answer questions, document any roof damage, and help homeowners understand what to expect throughout the process as best we can.
In this article, we'll explain what a roofing contractor can legally do during an insurance claim, where the line is between providing helpful information and negotiating a claim, and what you can do if you disagree with your insurer’s decision. By the end, you'll better understand what to expect if you’re currently, or ever find yourself, navigating an insurance claim.
Key Takeaways
- Roofing contractors generally cannot negotiate insurance claims. In Illinois, negotiating coverage or claim payments is limited to the homeowner, the insurance company, or a licensed public adjuster.
- A roofing contractor's role is to inspect and document your roof. They can identify damage, provide photos and estimates, explain needed repairs, and answer questions about your roof, but not your insurance policy.
- Insurance adjusters and roofing contractors have different responsibilities. Contractors determine what your roof needs, while insurance adjusters determine what your insurance policy covers.
- If you disagree with your insurer's decision, you have options. You can submit your contractor's documentation, request a reinspection, or consult a licensed public adjuster if you believe your claim wasn't handled fairly or accurately.
Table of Contents
- Can Roofing Contractors Negotiate With Insurance?
- The Difference Between Insurance Adjusters and Roofing Contractors
- What to Expect from a Roofing Contractor During an Insurance Claim
- What to Do If You Don't Agree With Your Insurer's Decision
- Who to Call If You've Experienced Roof Damage
Are Roofing Contractors Allowed to Negotiate With Your Insurance Company?
In most cases, roofing contractors cannot legally negotiate an insurance claim on a homeowner's behalf. While laws vary by state, negotiating an insurance claim or interpreting insurance coverage in Illinois is generally the responsibility of the homeowner, their insurance company, or a licensed public adjuster hired to represent the homeowner (according to the Illinois Insurance Code).
That doesn't mean your roofing contractor can't be involved in the process. A reputable and licensed roofing contractor can:
- Inspect your roof to identify storm or other damage.
- Document roof damage with photos and notes.
- Provide a detailed repair or replacement estimate.
- Answer questions about the repairs your roof needs.
The main distinction is that roofing contractors can explain the condition of your roof and the repairs it needs, but they cannot negotiate the insurance claim itself. Once the conversation shifts to interpreting your policy, disputing coverage, or negotiating how much the insurance company should pay, those discussions generally belong to you, your insurance company, or a licensed public adjuster if one is involved.
What's the Difference Between a Roofing Contractor and an Insurance Adjuster?
A roofing contractor evaluates your roof and recommends repairs, while an insurance adjuster determines what your insurance policy will cover. While both of these individuals may inspect your roof, they serve different roles:
| Responsibility | Roofing Contractor | Insurance Adjuster |
|---|---|---|
| Works for | The homeowner | The insurance company |
| Primary role | Evaluates the roof and recommends repairs or replacement | Determines what damage is covered under the insurance policy |
| Inspects the roof | Yes | Yes |
| Documents damage | Yes | Yes |
| Provides repair estimates | Yes | No |
| Determines insurance coverage | No | Yes |
| Negotiates the insurance claim | No, unless licensed and acting as a public adjuster. | No (evaluates the claim on behalf of the insurer) |
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents homeowners during the insurance claims process. Unlike an insurance adjuster, who works for the insurance company, a public adjuster works on your behalf to review your claim, document losses, and negotiate with your insurance company.
In Illinois, only licensed public adjusters can negotiate an insurance claim for a homeowner. Some roofing contractors also hold a public adjuster license, but they can only negotiate your claim when acting in that licensed capacity, not solely as your roofing contractor.
Most homeowners don't need to hire a public adjuster, but if you believe your claim was underpaid, denied unfairly, or has become especially complex, consulting one may be worth considering.
Can a Roofing Contractor Meet With Your Insurance Adjuster?
In many cases, it's perfectly appropriate for your roofing contractor to meet with your insurance adjuster during a roof inspection. Their role is to point out visible damage, answer questions about the roof, and explain the repairs or replacement they believe are necessary.
This can be beneficial for everyone involved. Having both the adjuster and the roofing contractor inspect the roof at the same time can help ensure no visible damage is overlooked and that everyone is working from the same information.
However, it's important to understand that meeting with an adjuster is not the same as negotiating the claim. Your contractor can explain what they're seeing on the roof and provide documentation to support their findings, but they shouldn't negotiate coverage, interpret your insurance policy, or argue over how much your insurance company should pay.
What Should You Expect From a Roofing Contractor During an Insurance Claim?
A reputable contractor will help you understand the condition of your roof, clearly explain the repairs or replacement it needs, and provide the documentation necessary for you and your insurance company to make informed decisions. While your roofing contractor shouldn't negotiate your insurance claim, they should still be an important resource throughout the process.
As you evaluate roofing contractors, here are a few things you should look for:
- A thorough roof inspection: They should thoroughly inspect your roof and clearly explain what damage they found, whether it's related to a recent storm or normal wear and tear. This helps determine whether the damage was caused by a coverable event.
- Detailed documentation: A good contractor should take photos, document any damage, and provide a clear estimate outlining the repairs or replacement your roof requires.
- Clear communication: They should answer your questions about your roof, explain their recommendations, and help you understand the repair process without making promises about what your insurance company will cover.
- Realistic expectations: Be cautious of any contractor who guarantees your claim will be approved or promises they'll “get your insurance company to pay.” No roofing contractor can honestly make those guarantees, and homeowners are still, at minimum, responsible for their deductible.
What If You Disagree With Your Insurance Company's Decision?
If your roofing contractor identifies damage that wasn't included in your insurance company's assessment, you can submit their documentation, including inspection photos and a detailed repair estimate, to your insurance company and request that it be reviewed.
You can also request a reinspection if appropriate or consult a licensed public adjuster. Unlike a roofing contractor, a public adjuster is licensed to represent policyholders and negotiate insurance claims on their behalf.
In some cases, your insurance company may schedule another inspection or ask for more information before making a decision. Ultimately, it's up to the insurance company to determine what your policy covers and whether additional damage qualifies for reimbursement.
Who Do You Call If You Think You Have Roof Damage?
If you think your roof has been damaged, your next step depends on your situation. Some homeowners should contact a roofing contractor first for an inspection, while others may need to notify their insurance company right away.
To help you decide, read our guide, Who Should You Call After Roof Damage: A Roofer or Your Insurance Company? In it, we explain when to call a roofer first, when it makes sense to contact your insurance company first, and how to avoid common mistakes that can complicate the claims process.
If you'd prefer a direct assessment of your roof, we offer no-commitment roof consultations. We’ll evaluate your entire roofing system, document what we find, and walk you through our recommendations without the obligation to move forward with us.
