Does the insurance company replace your roof, or do you hire the roofer?
Short answer. In most homeowners claims, the insurance company pays for the roof replacement but does not do the work; you hire the roofer, sign the contract, and pay the contractor with the claim money plus your deductible. Some insurers offer preferred contractor programs that can simplify payment, but you are generally free to choose your own licensed roofer.
How the roles split
- Insurer: inspects, writes the estimate, pays the claim and releases depreciation.
- You: choose the roofer, sign the contract, pay the deductible, endorse checks and send the final invoice.
- Roofer: inspects, documents, prices, supplements missed items, installs and provides the workmanship warranty.
Preferred contractor programs
Some carriers keep a network of contractors who accept the carrier's pricing and paperwork. Benefits can include direct payment and a guarantee on the work backed by the program. The trade off is that the contractor's ongoing relationship is with the insurer, and you have less say in the scope. You can usually decline and use your own roofer, so ask your insurer what the program changes about payment and warranties before you agree.
Choosing your own roofer
- Get an inspection before or soon after you file.
- Have the roofer attend the adjuster's inspection.
- Sign a contract that states the scope, materials, price and how insurance payments apply. Georgia lets you cancel an insurance contingent roofing contract if the claim is denied, and the contract must explain the window.
- Know the assignment rule: Georgia treats a contractor taking an assignment of your insurance proceeds within one year of a declared natural disaster as an unfair practice. Outside that window, any assignment is optional, so read it carefully before signing. See assignment of benefits.
Related: how to file and mortgage company checks.