Historically, roofers have had an adversarial relationship with insurance companies. 

The driving mindset among contractors has been prioritizing homeowners and challenging the insurance companies to ensure they receive the needed roof services. However, the “us versus them” business model may not be the best approach. 

Instead of treating insurance companies as enemies, we could start looking at them as extensions of homeowners, as customers. 

This would shift the roofing industry's dynamic to one that promotes partnerships centered around the property's and homeowner's best interests. 

The less adversarial approach would benefit roofing companies and insurance providers and help eliminate many of the significant challenges plaguing the roof insurance claims process.

The Current State of Claims

The current claims process is fractured. 

Homeowners are overwhelmed by a complicated, unfamiliar process. Roofers don’t have a guarantee we’ll get paid for the work that we do, and insurance companies are stuck navigating inconsistent billing and irate customers wondering why their claim was denied. 

The lack of regulation and standards around roofing leaves room for many bad actors. At the same time, the discretion of individual auditors and different insurance carriers makes it difficult for roofers to find a consistent scope of work.

Lack of communication is also a challenge, with many insurance companies only willing to work with homeowners. 

This further complicates setting clear expectations and leaves the homeowner to act as a medium in an area they have no expertise in, which increases the likelihood of error and misunderstanding.

It leaves much to be desired for all parties involved, but a partnership could change that. 

A Win-Win-Win Scenario

Establishing more transparent processes and expectations between insurance companies and roofers would likely create a smoother and faster claims process for homeowners. 

Much of the current claims process is conducted through the homeowner, who is not as familiar with the process. 

Homeowners deal with, at best, a handful of claims throughout their lifetime, whereas roofing companies and insurance providers are very familiar with the process. 

Allowing roofers and insurance companies to interface directly gives homeowners one less thing to worry about during a stressful time. This results in a better customer experience and reputation for roofers and insurance companies.

A partnership with an insurance provider could also produce a steady stream of referrals for roofers. Insurance companies want to ensure they get what they pay for and receive quality work. Insurance companies are likelier to push work their way if a roofer has demonstrated reliability and consistency. 

It Starts with Building Trust

For many roofers, insurance claims are like throwing spaghetti at a wall. You charge whatever work you can and see what sticks. 

When you never know what work will be approved, this is a reasonable approach for maximizing profit in uncertain outcomes, which is a poor way to run a partnership. 

Roofing companies demonstrate accountability by focusing on clear documentation and creating an efficient, trustworthy process.

At RAFTRx, we believe that uniting under a larger front can make a partnership between insurance companies and roofers more appealing. 

Strong partnerships enable insurers to confidently endorse roofing companies, assured of their reliable and high-quality service. For roofing companies, a strong network of insurance partnerships guarantees a consistent workflow and reinforces their status as trusted specialists in a fast-changing industry.

Roofing companies and insurance providers can enhance efficiency and reliability for homeowners by recognizing shared goals and fostering transparent partnerships.

This collaborative approach ensures a smoother future for both industries and the homeowners who depend on them.

The RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors brand portfolio includes Perimeter Roofing, Humbled Roofing & Restoration, Regal Roofing, Blue Hammer Roofing and Mills Siding & Roofing.