Can You Get Multiple Bids on a Roof Insurance Claim?

Can I get more than one bid when insurance is involved?

Asking for a bid is between you and a contractor. Whether your policy or insurer has rules about contractors is a question for your insurer. A bid is a separate document from the insurer's estimate: the contractor writes it to describe the planned work, products, warranty and start date.

Your insurer's estimate and a contractor's bid are different documents. The estimate comes out of your claim. The bid is an offer to do the work. Some homeowners collect more than one offer before hiring anyone for a large project.

Whether your insurer has any process or preference about contractors is a question for your insurer. The section called "What should I ask my insurer?" below has wording you can use.

If you want to understand the document your insurer sent, our guide to scope of loss explains the terms.

Why do some roofers discourage getting more bids?

Some roofers discourage comparison because they want the job, and some have reasons that sound sensible. Their stated reasons are worth hearing out. Then look at what you give up if you sign with the first contractor who asks: comparison of materials, warranty, schedule, and who does the work.

Here are reasons some roofers give, described fairly:

• "The insurance sets the price anyway." How your insurer's estimate relates to a contractor's price is a question for your insurer. The estimate and a bid are different documents, and bids can differ from each other in materials, warranty and schedule. Ask each contractor what their bid includes.
• "Storm work is busy, so you need to lock in a spot now." Schedules after a storm can be tight, which is a good reason to ask every contractor for a start date in writing. It is not a reason to skip comparing.
• "It's easier if one company handles everything." A single point of contact is convenient. You can ask each contractor how they handle communication and still compare them.
• "Other bids won't match the scope." That can be true when scopes are written differently, which is why the next sections show how to put every bid on the same scope.

What you give up by signing with the first contractor

• Materials. With one bid you cannot see which shingle line, underlayment and flashing other contractors would use for the same roof.
• Warranty. Warranties differ by type and by who stands behind them. With one bid you have nothing to compare against.
• Schedule. Start dates and crew availability vary. One bid shows one calendar.
• Who does the work. Some companies use their own crews, some use subcontractors, and some sell the job and hand it off. If you do not ask, you may not learn which.

For more on why bids differ even on the same house, read why roofers quote different prices.

What is a contingency agreement, and what should I read before signing one?

A contingency agreement is a contract some contractors offer to homeowners with an open insurance claim. It is an agreement that refers to your insurance claim. Terms vary from company to company. We do not give legal advice, so the safe approach is simple: read every page, ask questions, and take your time.

Before you sign anything, read it and ask:

• Does signing commit me to hire you for the work, or can I still collect other bids?
• What happens if I decide to hire someone else? Is there a cancellation window, and is there any fee?
• Does this document give you permission to speak with my insurer on my behalf? What exactly can you discuss or change?
• Does the document describe the scope, the materials and the warranty, or only say that you will do the work?
• Who signs for the company, and is every promise made to me in conversation also written down?
• May I take the document home, or have someone else read it, before I sign?

If a contractor says you must sign today, ask why, and ask for the reason in writing. If you want help reading a contract, a licensed attorney in your area is the person to ask. A pressured signature is a reason to slow down.

How do I make the bids comparable?

Give every contractor the same written scope of work, the same measurements and the same material grade, then ask for line items. When the starting documents match, the differences between bids come down to materials, warranty, schedule and crew, which are the things worth weighing.

Follow these steps:

1. Write the scope once. List what is being replaced or repaired: roof, gutters, siding or windows, and any items your insurer's estimate describes. Send the same list to every contractor.
2. Share the same measurements. If one contractor measures and another guesses, the bids will not match. Give everyone one set of numbers.
3. Name the material grade. "Architectural shingles" is a category, not a product. Ask each contractor for the manufacturer, the product line and the color.
4. Ask for line items. A single lump sum hides what is and is not included.
5. Ask for everything in writing, in the same format, with a date.

Line items to check on every bid:

For a longer walk through each line, see our guide on how to read a contractor estimate.

What should I ask my insurer?

Ask your insurer directly, in writing where you can, and keep a copy. These are questions to ask, not statements about what any insurer will do. Answers depend on your policy and your insurer, so record them in your own claim file.

What to ask:

• Does my policy say anything about which contractor I use?
• If a contractor's bid differs from your estimate, do you have a process for that, and who do I contact?
• Can you send me a copy of the estimate, with all line items and measurements?
• Is there a form or document you need from a contractor I am considering?
• Who should the contractor contact if they have questions about the scope?
• Is there anything in my policy I should read before I sign a contract with a contractor?
• Where do I find the dates and deadlines that apply to my claim?

Otter Quotes does not work with your insurance company, negotiate claims or act as a public adjuster. Questions about your coverage and your claim belong with your insurer.

What differs between bids when the scope is the same?

When scope, measurements and material grade match, four things can still separate bids: the materials behind the headline name, the warranty, the timeline, and the crew. Those are the areas to compare line by line, and the reason to collect more than one bid.

Some warranties are worth more than others. Ask each contractor to explain the difference in plain language and to show you the document, not just the brand name.

What to ask: a checklist you can copy

• Is my scope written down, and did every contractor get the same copy?
• Does every bid use the same measurements?
• Does every bid name the product line, not just the category?
• Is every line item listed, including permit, cleanup and decking?
• Is the warranty type and length written, and who stands behind it?
• Is a start date written, and what could change it?
• Who does the work: employees or subcontractors?
• Did I read any agreement fully before signing, and did I ask my questions?
• Did I ask my insurer the questions that belong with the insurer?

For a broader look at choosing a contractor once the bids are in, see how to choose a contractor.

Where does Otter Quotes fit?

Otter Quotes creates a written scope of work for your project and sends it to multiple contractors, who compete with bids on that same scope. You compare the bids online, next to reviews and licensing information, and sign online without a salesperson in your home. There is no cost for homeowners who provide a copy of their insurance estimate. Because contractors know they are competing, they are more likely to include better materials and warranties. Contractors pay Otter Quotes a fee on the accepted bid. We do not work with your insurance company, we do not offer free inspections, and we do not sell upgrades. Call 844-875-3412 with questions.