Do You Really Need Multiple Roofing Bids for an Insurance Claim?

Here is the question: “Do I need bids from multiple roofers for my insurance claim, or is that just something people say?”

It is a fair thing to ask. You hear it from neighbors, online forums, and sometimes from insurance companies. The honest answer has a few layers. We are a roofing contractor, so we have a stake in this. We would still rather you decide with clear facts than feel pushed.

If your roof took hail damage in Kaysville, Layton, Fruit Heights, or anywhere in Davis County, this guide is for you.

Why do people say to get multiple bids?

There are four common reasons.

First, a roof is a big purchase. Comparing prices on any big purchase is normal.

Second, storms attract bad actors. After a big wind or hail event, out-of-town crews knock on doors. The Utah Insurance Department warns about unannounced pitches and pressure to sign fast.

Third, adjuster estimates can miss things. Insurance law commentators note that an initial adjuster estimate often leaves out required items, which is why contractors file supplements. Homeowners hear a story like that from a neighbor and decide a second opinion is smart.

Fourth, some insurers ask. Some insurance companies do require multiple estimates, but not all of them do.

Does your insurance company require multiple bids?

It depends on your company and your policy. The only way to know is to ask. Call your adjuster and ask:

• Do you need an estimate from a contractor for my claim?
• Do you have a preferred contractor list?
• Am I required to use it?

Some insurers keep a preferred list of contractors, and the Utah Insurance Department describes it as something you may want to consider. Write down the answers. Keep the names, phone numbers, and a short outline of each conversation in case of a dispute.

Why do roofing bids look so different?

Think of your insurance estimate as a shopping list. It is what your insurance company agreed to pay for. A contractor bid is a second list of what it takes to do the job right. When the lists match, the claim moves. When they do not, that gap is where claims get stuck.

Three bids on the same roof can differ for reasons that have nothing to do with honesty:

• Scope: tear-off, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, ventilation, permits, and cleanup
• Materials: the shingle line and brand. We install GAF and Tamko, so we can only speak for those.
• Decking: how each bid handles damaged plywood found after tear-off
• Code items: required work the adjuster may not have listed
• Warranty: who backs the work and for how long. See our warranty page.

When a contractor and an adjuster disagree on scope, the contractor can send the insurer documentation for missed items. That is called a supplement. It works like a change order on any building job. Your insurance company decides whether to approve it. No contractor can promise the result.

Is the lowest bid the best deal on an insurance claim?

Not always. In an insurance claim, the claim sets the money, not the bid. A very low bid often means a shorter scope. If the bid leaves items out, you may pay for them later, out of pocket.

Compare what is included before you compare price.

Can a Utah roofer cover your deductible?

No. Utah law says a residential contractor may not rebate any part of an insurance deductible to win a sale. Contracts and estimates paid with insurance money must carry a written notice about this rule, and the contractor cannot be paid until the homeowner signs it and it goes to the insurance company. The homeowner stays personally responsible for the deductible.

So a bid that says “we will cover your deductible” is not a better deal. It is a red flag.

How do you compare bids the right way?

• Ask every roofer to list the scope in writing.
• Match the shingle line, underlayment, and ventilation across bids.
• Ask how each one prices damaged decking.
• Compare warranties in writing.
• Check licenses. Verify licensing with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing and ask for a certificate of insurance.
• Compare each bid to your adjuster’s estimate. The Utah Insurance Department advises making sure your contractor’s bid lines up with what your insurer approved before major work begins.

What should you do before you collect bids?

Start with the claim, not the bids.

• Take photos and video of the damage.
• Report the claim promptly. Utah law gives you three years from the date of loss to bring a lawsuit on a property insurance claim, and a policy cannot shorten that. That is not the same as a filing deadline. In our experience, most carriers are comfortable with claims reported within about two years of the storm. Older damage is harder to tie to a specific storm, so do not wait.
• Be at the adjuster’s inspection. Being there lets you point out damage the adjuster may not notice.
• If the damage may be close to your deductible, get an estimate first. The Utah Insurance Department notes you may decide not to file if the loss is near the deductible.

Then gather your bids.

When is one bid enough?

Sometimes. Say a neighbor you trust used a roofer. You checked the license, the insurance certificate, and references. You have a written scope. You are not required to keep shopping.

Get more bids when:

• Someone knocked on your door and wanted a signature the same day.
• The license does not check out.
• A price is far lower than the rest and the scope is vague.
• Anyone offers to cover your deductible.

How does Homer Roofing help with an insurance claim?

We are GAF Master Elite certified, and we walk homeowners through the claim process. We show up at the adjuster meeting. We bring photos, documentation, and test results. We help you understand what is happening and help push the claim along.

We do not negotiate your claim for you. That is between you and your insurance company. You can read more on our insurance claim assistance page.

If you already have other bids, bring them to your inspection. We will walk through the differences with you. If you are heading toward a full roof replacement, that comparison is worth the time.

Key Takeaways

• Not every insurer requires multiple bids. Ask your adjuster.
• Your insurer’s estimate sets the claim. Bids show what the work takes.
• Bids differ mostly because of scope, materials, decking, and warranty.
• The lowest bid can leave items out.
• A Utah roofer cannot cover your deductible.
• Report the claim promptly. Do not let bid shopping delay it.
• Check licenses and certificates of insurance.

FAQ

Does my insurance company require three roofing bids?

Not every insurance company requires three roofing bids. Some ask for estimates and some settle from their own adjuster’s estimate. Call your adjuster and ask what your policy needs.

Will getting multiple bids slow down my claim?

Bids do not slow the claim itself, but waiting on them can. Report the claim promptly, then gather bids. Older damage is harder to link to a storm, and insurers expect timely notice.

How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Utah?

Utah law gives you three years from the date of loss to bring a lawsuit on a first-party property claim, and a policy cannot shorten that. Reporting the claim is a separate matter. Most carriers are comfortable with claims reported within about two years, but check your policy and report as soon as you can.

Can a Utah roofer waive my insurance deductible?

No. Utah law bars a residential contractor from rebating any part of an insurance deductible to win a job. Contracts paid with insurance money must include a notice about this, and the homeowner pays the deductible.

Should I pick the lowest bid on an insurance claim?

Not automatically. A low bid may cover less work than the others. Compare the written scope, materials, decking terms, and warranty before you compare price.

What if a contractor’s bid is higher than my insurance estimate?

A gap is common and does not mean anyone is lying. A contractor can send the insurer documentation for missed items in a supplement. Your insurance company decides whether to approve it.

How do I check that a Utah roofer is licensed?

Search the contractor on the Utah Division of Professional Licensing site, dopl.utah.gov. Then ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it is current.