How to Choose a Licensed, Insured Roofing Contractor

After a major storm, roofing scammers follow the damage path. They knock on doors, offer quick free estimates, and pressure homeowners into signing contracts before the adjuster has even visited. Some do shoddy work and disappear. Others collect deposits and never start.

Protecting yourself isn't complicated, but it requires doing the verification steps before you're standing in the driveway with a contractor trying to close you on the spot.

Step 1: Verify the License

Licensing requirements for roofing contractors vary by state. Some states require a dedicated roofing contractor license; others require a general contractor license; a few have no state-level requirement at all. Your state's contractor licensing board website has a public license lookup tool.

What to check:

• License is active (not expired or suspended)
• License holder name matches the company or the person you're dealing with
• No disciplinary actions on file

Ask the contractor for their license number before the visit. A legitimate contractor will give it to you without hesitation.

Step 2: Verify Insurance -- Specifically

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming you as a certificate holder. Then call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is active -- certificates can be forged or outdated.

Step 3: Check Reviews Strategically

Google reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Angi are useful but imperfect. Look for:

• Volume of reviews over time (a 4.8 rating with 6 reviews means much less than one with 200)
• How the contractor responds to negative reviews
• Specific mentions of project completion, communication, and warranty service
• Whether the company has been operating under the same name for multiple years

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requesting full payment before work starts -- legitimate contractors typically require a deposit (often 10-30%) with the balance due at completion
• Out-of-state plates or no local address -- "storm chaser" contractors often can't be held accountable after they leave town
• Pressure to sign immediately -- any contractor who won't give you time to verify credentials is worth walking away from
• Asking you to sign an Assignment of Benefits -- this transfers your insurance claim rights to them
• No permit -- roofing generally requires a permit; a contractor who suggests skipping it is cutting a corner that can cause problems when you sell
• Vague written scope -- if the estimate doesn't specify materials by brand and model, ask why not

What Your Contract Should Include

• Exact materials (manufacturer, product name, color, warranty)
• Scope of work -- what's included and what's explicitly excluded
• Start date and estimated completion timeline
• Payment schedule (not 100% upfront)
• Who pulls the permit
• Lien waiver upon final payment
• Workmanship warranty terms and contact for warranty claims
• What happens if additional damage is found -- price and approval process

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask a roofer before hiring?

Key questions: Are you licensed in this state, and can I have your license number? Do you carry general liability and workers' comp -- can I get a COI? Who will actually do the work -- your employees or subcontractors? Will you pull the permit? What does your workmanship warranty cover and for how long?

Is it okay to hire a subcontractor-based roofing company?

Many reputable roofing companies use subcontractors. The key questions are whether the subs are covered under the main contractor's insurance and whether the main contractor is responsible for warranty service regardless of who did the work.

How many bids should I get?

Three is the standard recommendation. It gives you a market baseline without spending excessive time on the process.

Can I negotiate the price with a roofer?

Yes, though there's less room to negotiate on a fixed scope than people assume. More productive areas: material upgrades at reduced margin, extended workmanship warranty, payment terms, or scheduling flexibility.

What should I do if the work is done incorrectly?

Document the problem with photos immediately. Contact the contractor in writing (email creates a paper trail). Reference the specific warranty terms in your contract. If they refuse to respond, your options include filing with the contractor's licensing board, small claims court, or a civil suit.