After a storm, finding that you’ve damaged your roof is terrifying and stress-inducing. The roof needs to be repaired quickly, and doing this when you have to deal with the hassle of submitting an insurance claim to fix or replace the roof may be difficult. Finding a trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor is the next step to repair the damage from a storm after discovering the damage was caused in the initial spot. A reputable contractor can help you with the claim process with the insurance company and will ensure that your home can be repaired to its previous state as soon as feasible.

1. Find a Reliable Roofing Contractor

The process of claiming insurance for homeowners typically begins with an urgent repair. In order to restore peace and security in your house, you’ll require the repair or replacement completed in the shortest time possible.

This is why you should locate a contractor whom you can trust -- an expert in your area who will complete the task quickly and help you with your claim process:

• You can ask reliable sources (family, friends, and neighbors) to recommend a source.
• Find your nearest Better Business Bureau.
• Get connected with reliable roofing companies in your area.

2. Vet Your Roofing Contractors

It’s essential to find an experienced roofing contractor to ensure that any repair or replacement will be completed as fast as you can. To find the most suitable professional to complete your roofing project:

• Request estimates from 3 to 4 contractors within your region.
• Check out the websites of every contractor.
• Read the reviews from customers about every contractor.

3. Meet With Your Top Contractors

Get together with your top contractors to discuss specific details for your project and discuss expectations. We’ve designed the following to help homeowners assess contractors. Make sure you discuss the following issues with the contractor you choose:

• Request proof of insurance. This will include the insurance company’s address and the policy’s number and limits
• Discuss who is responsible for managing warranty details and take responsibility.
• Be sure to obtain an agreed price prior to signing an agreement.

4. Be Aware of Warning Signs

There is an enviable proportion of contractors who aren’t trustworthy professionals. The majority of these door-to-door contractors go to areas that have been hit by the weather and then swindle homeowners who are not aware of their options with offers that claim to offer a pre-payment plan or coverage for deductibles.

The best way to stay clear of fraud is to select an established, local contractor. You can verify this by verifying their address at the physical location of their business and verifying their license.

5. Prepare for Your Final Contractor Meeting

In the final meeting, there are some steps to discuss prior to the roofing contractor completing the work.

• Reconfirm your initial quote.
• Adopt the payment arrangement.
• Get a paper trail for the following items:

          Your contract

          Plans for projects

          Changes to the order

          Invoices and bills

          The proof of insurance or permit and

          Contractor correspondence