Why Getting 3 Estimates for a Roof Insurance Claim Isn’t Necessary (And Could Actually Hurt You)
It’s a common piece of advice: “Always get three estimates before committing to a contractor.” And while that might make sense when you’re shopping for a new kitchen or comparing car repairs, it’s not always the best move when it comes to insurance claims for roof damage.
In fact, getting three estimates can actually delay your claim, confuse your adjuster, and undermine your payout. Here’s why you should rethink this outdated advice—and what you should do instead.
1. Your Insurance Company Already Sets the Price
Most homeowners don’t realize that insurance companies use standardized pricing software, like Xactimate, to determine how much they’ll pay for repairs. These prices are based on local labor and material costs and are updated monthly.
That means your claim payout won’t necessarily depend on the lowest or highest estimate—it’ll depend on what the insurance company has already decided is “fair.” So if all three contractors use different pricing, it won’t actually change what you get.
2. Not All Contractors Are Apples to Apples
Contractor A might give you a lower bid—but is that because they’re cutting corners? Using cheaper materials? Skipping windstorm certification? If one estimate seems dramatically lower than the others, that’s usually a red flag, not a good deal.
On the flip side, a higher bid might reflect better materials, longer warranties, or a contractor who knows how to navigate complex insurance processes to make sure everything that needs repair is included.
3. Multiple Estimates Can Confuse the Adjuster
Your insurance adjuster is looking for clarity and consistency. If you hand them three wildly different estimates, they now have to sort through them, ask questions, and possibly delay your payout. In some cases, adjusters may default to the lowest number—even if it’s not realistic for quality work.
4. Time Is Critical After a Storm
Roof damage doesn’t wait. Water intrusion, mold, and structural issues can escalate fast. While you’re chasing down three contractors (who are likely backed up during storm season), your home could be suffering more damage. Choosing a trusted, qualified contractor from the start can speed up your claim, repairs, and peace of mind.
5. You Need a Roofing Expert, Not a Bidding War
When it comes to storm damage, the best contractor is one who knows how to work with your insurance—not against it. Look for someone who understands the claims process, uses insurance-standard pricing, and can spot code issues or hidden damage your adjuster might miss.
Bottom Line:
You don’t need three estimates. You need one qualified roofing contractor who knows how to protect your home and your claim. At Windstorm Wizards Roofing, we work directly with insurance companies to make sure you get what you’re owed—and we don’t cut corners to do it.
If your roof has storm damage, don’t waste time shopping around. Contact Windstorm Wizards Roofing today for a free, professional roof inspection. We’ll handle the insurance process from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most—getting your home back to normal.
📞 Call us today: 713-234-6437
🌐 Visit www.windstormwizards.com
📍 Serving the Gulf Coast with certified windstorm expertise
