After the Storm Checklist: Verify Your Roofer First | RuinShield
A homeowner checklist for what to do after a hail or wind storm: document damage, verify the roofer, check the contract, and avoid storm-chaser red flags.
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RuinShield frequently asked questions
What should I do first after a storm damages my roof?
Document the damage yourself with date-stamped photos from the ground, note the storm date, and open your own insurance claim with your carrier before signing anything with a contractor. Getting your own record first means you are not negotiating from pressure when a door-knocker arrives.
Do I have to sign an Assignment of Benefits to get my roof fixed?
No. You do not need to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) to get a roof repaired. An AOB hands your claim and its proceeds to the contractor. You control your insurance claim — verify the roofer and put the deal in a normal written contract instead.
How do I check a roofer before I choose one?
Run a free RuinShield Risk Score on every contractor who bids — by company, person, phone, or address. Confirm an active state license or registration, a verifiable local address, the out-of-state registration flag, board disciplinary status where covered, and local permit history where it is available.
How do I confirm a roofer's insurance?
RuinShield does not pull a contractor's general-liability insurance, so ask for a current certificate of insurance (COI) sent directly by their insurance agent — not a photocopy the crew carries. Confirm it covers the work before any deposit.
Should I pay a roofer in full upfront?
No. Reject demands for full payment upfront or a large cash deposit. Pay on milestones tied to completed, inspected work, and get the scope, payment schedule, warranty, and dates in writing first.