9 Questions to Ask a Roofer After Hail Damage (2026)

After a major hail event, out-of-state contractors flood affected areas looking for quick work. Many operate without a local license or adequate insurance. If an unlicensed contractor injures a worker on your property, you could be liable. Ask for the contractor's state license number, general liability policy, and workers' compensation certificate — then verify each one independently. A legitimate roofer will hand these over without hesitation.

Storm-chaser companies set up temporary offices after major hail events and disappear once the work dries up — taking your warranty with them. A roofer who has been in your market for five or more years has a reputation to protect and will be around to honor warranty claims. Ask for a physical office address and check how long they've been at that location.

A legitimate hail-damage roofer should climb the roof (or use a drone), document every damage point, and give you a written report before you commit to anything. This report serves double duty: it guides the repair and supports your insurance claim. Be wary of contractors who give a verbal estimate and push for a signed contract on the first visit.

Hail damage claims have a specific workflow: documentation, adjuster meeting, scope negotiation, supplements, and depreciation holdback recovery. A roofer experienced with insurance work knows how to write estimates in Xactimate format, attend the adjuster inspection, and identify line items that adjusters commonly miss. This experience directly affects how much of your claim gets paid.

The adjuster inspection is the most important meeting in the claims process. Having your roofer present ensures no damage is overlooked and gives you a technical advocate who can push back on underscoped items in real time. Contractors who refuse to attend — or who say it's not necessary — are leaving money on the table. The best storm-work roofers consider adjuster meetings part of the job.

References specific to hail-damage work in your region tell you more than general roofing reviews. Ask for three references from jobs completed in the last 12 months, ideally in your neighborhood or zip code. When you call, ask the homeowner: Did the contractor help with insurance? Were there surprise charges? Did they show up on schedule? Would you hire them again?

Reputable roofers working insurance claims rarely require upfront payment beyond a reasonable deposit (10–15% of the estimate). Be wary of anyone demanding full payment before starting. Also watch for Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreements — these transfer your insurance claim rights to the contractor, giving them control over negotiations with your insurer. AOBs frequently lead to legal disputes, delayed repairs, and inflated claims. Keep control of your claim.