Roofing contractors want to see insurance paperwork first

So they know they will get paid?

I've worked in roofing in the past. After storms, they are trying to make sure that insurance is going to cover everything so there is no issues with invoicing. Just show them your paperwork. Getting estimates is also stupid with insurance, because if you get a bid less than what insurance is willing to pay out, you dont get a check in the mail for the difference. The only tie getting cheapest bid is worth it is if insurance is only covering partial roof and you need/want a whole roof.

ETA: More important than cheapest estimate, find who's going to put the best product on your roof.

I used to work for a company that did storm restoration to replace roofs.

I will 100% tell you it is much more appealing to a contractor to see the insurance paperwork upfront so they know the money is there. That being said, choose someone local so that if they do a bad job you know where to find them. Never trust a stormchaser.

If the insurance company paid to replace your whole roof system (which i am assuming is the case), the contractor cannot charge you anything out of your pocket other than your deductible, unless you choose to upgrade your roof (i.e. Better shingles, lead pipe boots etc.)

One thing i will recommend for you: GAF Timberline HD dimensional shingles. If you dont already have a dimensional roof, it is well worth the extra $500-1000 that it will cost you to upgrade. Also, lead pipe boots are most definitely recommended. Dont let the contractor charge you more than $75 per pipe boot that is upgraded to lead.

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Getting estimates is also stupid with insurance, because if you get a bid less than what insurance is willing to pay out, you dont get a check in the mail for the difference

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Does this vary by insurance? When I had to have my roof replaced , insurance agent came and gave estimate of repair and gave me a check for that amount. I was able to find my own roofer at a cheaper bid.

I pocketed the difference between the agent price and what I paid the roofer, was almost the difference of my deductible.

They are going to work for insurance proceeds. Xactimate (the estimating software) has already given a fair market price for roof replacement. Unless the scope is off, it is very cut and dry.

Lets talk hypotheticals.

$10k Insurance estimate to do the work
$4k withheld that your get back after repairs are completed
$1k deductible
$5k First Check from Insurance

Lets say you negitotiate to $8500 for roof replacement.

$8500 total cost of job
$1000 Deductible,
$5k already paid by insurance
depriciaction goes from $4k to $2500 for the second check.

My advise to you, take money out the equation and hire the best person to install the roof, they are all going to work for insurance proceeds...

Contractors/roofers make a large profit margin on roof repairs or replacement. You should be able to negotiate getting upgraded shingles without paying any deductible at all for the work.

Had a similar experience in NE Houston.

Definitely didn't let roofing contractor know what insurance guy was willing to pay as insurance guy told me over the phone that he was writing the estimate "fat" to help with other losses...probably have $300-400k in flood damage and homeowners insuarance trying to help a little.

Told all roofing companies that wanted to see insurance docs to F off. Still had 2-3 willing to come out without seeing docs. Settled on Conroe-based roofing company. He came in $8k below what I'm being paid by homeowners insurance allowing me to contribute that difference towards the portion of flood damage over and above the flood insurance cap.

Go with gut.

Don't rush to put a roof on. Let all the slapdick subs move on before you touch your roof or you will end up with a subpar roof. Anyone that treats you like a broke-arse mf is in actuality probably just that themselves.

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Contractors/roofers make a large profit margin on roof repairs or replacement. You should be able to negotiate getting upgraded shingles without paying any deductible at all for the work.

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Yeah there's not a "large profit margin" on shingle repairs and replacement. The profit is made in volume. If they make $1-2 k on the average home they are doing ok.

And requesting insurance paperwork isn't that big of a deal - but what you should be asking them is for THEIR insurance certificate.

And most certainly go with an architectural shingle not a three tab but the plants right now are not rolling too many three tabs anyway with Texas and Florida in the mix.

And paying a few bucks more and using local is always a good idea but regardless a roof is just like anything else - the homeowner should be paying attention to ANY work being done on their home at any time.