Should I use the insurance preferred contractor?

You can. You are not usually required to. Independent licensed contractors can still do the work; the insurer owes the covered amount, not a specific company, unless your policy says otherwise.

How many roofing bids do I need?

Three comparable bids is enough. A fourth only helps if the first three disagree wildly on whether you need repair or replacement.

Roofing

How to Choose a Roofing Contractor

Hire a licensed, insured roofer who manufacturers will warrant, who itemizes tear-off and flashing, and who does not pressure you the day after a hail storm. Three comparable bids beat the cheapest door-knock.

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License, insurance, and who is on the roof

Confirm the company on the contract is the company pulling the permit. Ask for certificates of insurance sent by the agent, not a photocopy in a binder. If they use subcontractors, ask who supervises on site.

State or local contractor license in the company’s legal name
General liability and workers’ compensation current
Building permit in the contractor’s name, not yours (where required)

Manufacturer credentials actually matter

Certain asphalt and metal warranties require a certified installer. A “lifetime” shingle with an uncertified crew can leave you with a short workmanship warranty only.

Ask which product line they are certified to install
Get the workmanship warranty in writing (years and what it covers)
Confirm who handles callback leaks — the crew or a call center

Read the bid like a scope of work

A one-line “reroof house $12,000” is not a bid. You want squares of material, tear-off yes/no, underlayment type, flashing replacement, ventilation, dump fees, and how change orders for bad decking are priced.

Same scope on every bid so prices are comparable
Ice-and-water shield locations listed, not “as needed”
Payment schedule: deposit plus progress, never 100% up front

Storm-chaser red flags

After hail, unsolicited door-knockers may offer to “work with your insurance” and start without a permit. Slow down. Your insurer and a local licensed company can handle a legitimate claim.

High-pressure same-day sign, especially with a large rebate
Asking you to sign over the insurance check in full
No local address, no reviews older than the last storm

Frequently asked questions

Should I use the insurance preferred contractor?: You can. You are not usually required to. Independent licensed contractors can still do the work; the insurer owes the covered amount, not a specific company, unless your policy says otherwise.
How many roofing bids do I need?: Three comparable bids is enough. A fourth only helps if the first three disagree wildly on whether you need repair or replacement.