Should You Show a Roofing Contractor Your Insurance Estimate?

When dealing with storm damage or other roofing issues covered by insurance, many homeowners wonder if they should share their insurance estimate with their roofing contractor. The short answer is yes! Sharing your estimate ensures that your roofer understands the scope of work approved by your insurance company and can identify anything that may be missing from the estimate. Here’s why it’s important:

The Roofer Needs to Know the Scope of Work Approved by Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company provides an estimate detailing the repairs or replacements they will cover. By sharing this with your roofing contractor, they can:

• Ensure that all approved repairs are completed.
• Order the correct materials based on the scope of work.
• Plan the project timeline efficiently.
• Avoid unnecessary delays caused by misunderstandings.

A roofing contractor experienced in insurance claims will know how to work within the provided estimate and even assist in supplementing missing items.

Anything Missing from the Estimate Will Get Supplemented

Insurance estimates are not always perfect. In many cases, they may exclude necessary materials or labor costs. A skilled roofer can identify what’s missing and file a supplemental claim to ensure you receive full coverage for your roof replacement or repair. Supplements may include:

• Additional layers of underlayment required by code.
• Flashing replacement for proper waterproofing.
• Drip edge installation that may have been overlooked.

Without reviewing the insurance estimate, a contractor might not be able to catch these omissions, which could lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for you.

It Can Save You from Inadvertently Committing Fraud

If you don’t share your insurance estimate, some contractors might provide their own pricing without verifying whether it aligns with your insurance payout. If a contractor submits an inflated invoice or tries to manipulate the claim, you could be at risk of insurance fraud—even if it wasn’t intentional.

By working with a contractor who has seen your estimate, you ensure full transparency, which protects both you and your roofer from any legal or ethical issues.

It Builds Trust Between You and the Roofing Contractor

A strong relationship between homeowner and contractor is essential for a smooth roofing project. By sharing your insurance estimate, you:

• Show that you value an open and honest process.
• Allow the roofer to provide clear r