Roofing- 5 properties- How to negotiate with roofers

[Mak K.]

I have 6 properties which got hit by the storm in Houston. My deductibles are $6K range and all properties are 2005+ build, 2000 SF +/- double story.

Location Houston TX

This is my first time working with insurance as well as roofing company. How do I negotiate with roofers. Also how do I make sure all secondary damage such as gutters, siding, windows etc are covered and accounted in insurance claim. What would be the best strategy? Tips/advice/lessons learnt?

[Greg Scott]

If this is an insurance claim the process is very different than hiring a roofer during normal circumstances.  Most of the negotiation will be with the insurance company, not the roofer.  I've made about a dozen claims, with dollar amounts over $3M, so have some experience here.  Below is a picture from a tornado that hit one of our properties and another of a fire claim we had a year later.

I'd look to find a reputable roofer that has experience with insurance claims. The good ones will carefully document all the damage and then get the insurance company to pay for everything damaged.  Insurance payout rates are, by law, very rich, and pay significantly more than you would probably pay under normal circumstances.

Before you hire the roofer, I'd ask if they think they can cover your deductible.  On almost every roof claim we've ever had, the roofer paid our deductible. (That is completely legal although they will word it as something like a "refund for efficiencies")

They will need to look over your policy.  Many insurers have started slipping in language that excludes certain coverages on roofing material.  (They got tired of paying out every time a hail storm hit.)   After a recent fire, we learned the shingles were not covered.  Fortunately, the claim was over $1M so there was enough money to pay for the roof even if it was not explicitly covered.  How much will end up coming out of your pocket will ultimately depend on the coverages and exclusions you have.

Good luck.