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I always recommend getting various estimates for roof replacements and stating that you’ll be paying out-of-pocket and getting multiple quotes. Contractors tend to be more competitive when they think they are bidding for a cash-paying customer. You can then compare these quotes to your insurance adjuster’s estimate.
From my 33 years in insurance, I can tell you that insurance doesn’t pay for a roof just because it’s old or leaking due to wear and tear. Insurance is specifically in existence to cover “Act of God,” like damage from wind or hail. If a storm caused the damage that led to the need for a new roof, then you might be covered.
Be careful about filing a claim if roofers can’t find legitimate storm damage. I’ve seen many instances where homeowners filed claims for old roofs without storm damage, and there’s a good chance the insurance company will non-renew your policy, making it difficult to find affordable homeowners insurance later.
It’s crucial to make sure you choose a local company that has been around for a bit. After a hailstorm in my area, we had three companies that were not near me trying to sell us roofs. A local, established company is more likely to be reputable.
Never give the insurance adjuster’s report to the contractor. If you do, they will likely just match the insurance adjuster’s estimate, and you won’t know if you could have gotten a better price. The insurance-roof-replacement thing can sometimes feel like a “racket”.
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