Roofing sales FAQ: storm restoration, inspections, insurance claims and pay

Storm restoration follows hail or wind damage: the homeowner files an insurance claim, and the insurer pays for most of an approved roof. Retail roofing is a homeowner replacing an old roof with their own money or financing. Storm work is seasonal and often involves travel; retail work is steadier and local.

More: Storm chasing

Mostly by canvassing. After a storm, teams use hail and wind reports to choose neighborhoods and knock to offer free inspections. Retail teams canvass older subdivisions and also work referrals, yard signs and past customers. Some companies split the work so that canvassers book inspections for a sales rep.

More: Canvasser

With the homeowner's permission, the rep goes on the roof or flies a drone, photographs any damage, and shows the homeowner what was found. An honest inspection sometimes finds nothing worth a claim, and saying so protects your name in the neighborhood. Never cause or exaggerate damage: that is insurance fraud.

No, but you need to learn the basics of roof systems, materials and damage types, and to be safe on a ladder. Companies teach this in the first weeks. Reps who also manage the job learn scheduling and working with crews.

The inspection stage ends with documented findings and, often, an agreement that the company will do the work if the insurer approves the claim. The contract stage comes after approval, when the scope of work, materials and price are fixed in a signed contract. Be clear with homeowners about which document they are signing and what it commits them to.

More: Contingency agreement

Inspection, the homeowner's claim to their insurer, the adjuster's visit, the insurer's decision and scope, a signed contract, the build, any supplement for items the first scope missed, and final payment. From the first knock to the last payment often takes one to three months.

More: ACV vs. RCV · Supplement

There is usually no job unless the homeowner chooses to pay. Some states give homeowners a specific right to cancel after a denial. Colorado, for example, lets a property owner rescind a roofing contract within seventy-two hours of receiving written notice that the claim was denied in whole or in part.

More: Roofing claim rules by state

Source: Colorado Revised Statutes 6-22-104 (roofing contracts: right to rescind)

Do not promise that a claim will be approved or that the roof will be free. Do not offer to pay, waive or rebate the deductible. Do not negotiate the claim or interpret the policy for the homeowner unless you hold a public adjuster license. Never suggest reporting damage that is not there.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: roofing and insurance, know the law · Florida Statutes 489.147 (prohibited roofing solicitation practices)

Not in the states that address it, and it is a bad idea everywhere. Texas law requires an insured homeowner to pay the deductible and makes it an offense for a seller to waive or rebate it. Colorado bars roofing contractors from advertising or promising to pay, waive or rebate it.

More: Roofing claim rules by state

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: roofing and insurance, know the law · Colorado Revised Statutes 6-22-105 (roofing contracts: deductibles)

Generally not. In Texas a contractor may not act as a public adjuster on a property where it does or may do the work, and Florida bars contractors from interpreting or adjusting claims unless they are licensed public adjusters. A rep can document damage, give the homeowner an estimate and be present for the adjuster's visit.

More: Roofing claim rules by state

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: roofing and insurance, know the law · Florida Statutes 489.147 (prohibited roofing solicitation practices)

Point out the damage you documented, answer questions about the roof and the repair, and provide measurements and photos. Discussing what the roof needs is construction. Arguing about what the policy owes is adjusting. Stay on the construction side.

Usually a percentage of the job or a share of its profit, paid after the roof is built and the company has been paid. Canvassers are often paid per inspection booked, plus a bonus when it sells. If the plan is a profit split, ask how overhead is counted.

For an insurance job, commonly one to three months from the first knock, because the claim, the build and the final insurance payment all come first. Retail jobs can be quicker. Ask whether the company offers a draw and when partial commission is released.

More: Draw

It depends on the state. Some states license roofing contractors or register the people who sell home improvement contracts: California, for instance, requires Home Improvement Salesperson registration. Cities may also require a solicitor permit.

More: Permit rules by city

Source: California Contractors State License Board: Home Improvement Salesperson registration

Storm teams do: they follow hail and hurricane seasons from market to market. Retail reps usually work one area. If you travel, confirm that the company is licensed where it is working and who pays for lodging.

More: Sales blitz jobs