When a major storm or natural disaster happens in your service area, massive storm damage will occur in people’s homes, and they will contact their insurance agent to file an insurance claim. The insurance agent will dispatch an adjuster who will arrive with a roofing professional and assess the damage.
Here, as a roofing contractor, you can win two jobs. You will be helping the insurance adjuster with roof inspection and assessment. The insurance adjuster will recommend you do the roof restoration job. At the end of the day, the homeowner gets the claim, the roof is restored, the insurance agent closes the claim, and you make money. This is a win-win situation for everyone.
Another case where you can get inspection leads is whenever a homeowner claims roof damage. Building relationships with insurance agents in your area makes you much more likely to hear about it when homeowners report the damage. Since agents in your area know you, they are likely to keep you in mind when looking for someone to conduct an inspection.
‍Roofing companies can benefit significantly from having disaster repair contracts with insurance companies. When you contract with an insurance company, you have secured yourself guaranteed work and receive replacement cost payments. Additionally, you will have access to insurance adjusters—providing an opportunity to build professional relationships beyond the current job. But insurance companies know their worth, so when trying to land a repair contract, be prepared to make a strong case for why you are the best company.
The contract outlines the expectations of both parties. Scope of work, completion timeframe, and the rendering payment terms should all be covered. Having a disaster repair contract prepared and ready to go makes you more attractive as a company; it shows your professionalism and readiness to get to work.
Disaster repair contracts provide a steady stream of revenue during times of natural disaster. These contracts are typically negotiated between insurance and roofing companies before a major storm or other natural disasters.
This allows the roofing company to be prepared for the influx of business and ensure that they have enough workforce and supplies to meet the demand. In addition, these contracts help build goodwill with the insurance company and may lead to future business opportunities. Roofing companies can do a few things to get disaster repair contracts with insurance companies. Let’s discuss how to approach the insurance companies for referrals.
Represent your roofing company
Establish your roofing company on the Internet by representing it well. Keep your website updated and current, and by all means, list the restoration services that you offer. Showcase your expertise and show off a successful project using images and videos and remember to provide your contact information. Contact information is key! Make sure they know how to get in touch with you.
It is also suggested that a disaster response plan is created once you get a disaster repair contract. Ensure accuracy and ensure that your company’s information is updated in all relevant databases; insurance companies will double-check your information, so make sure the details on your website are current.
Introduce yourself
One of the best ways to secure contracts with insurance companies is to reach out to them before disaster strikes proactively. A roofing contractor needs to be familiar with the insurance companies in the service area. Maintaining a good relationship with insurance agents will help you get a referral pipeline from them when their customer needs to repair their roof damages.
Set up cold-call meetings with them, introduce your roofing company, and explain the roof services you offer. You can also start with your insurance agents and start asking for referrals. It is good practice to identify and contact all the insurance companies in and around your service area.
Make sure you can answer any questions they may have. Be sure to stress the importance of quality and safety in your work—and be prepared to answer any questions they might have.
Learn the language of the insurance adjusters
When looking for roofing contract referrals from insurance companies, it is essential to learn the language that insurance adjusters use. Different sets of rules and regulations govern insurance adjusters.
If you report a roof as damaged and claimable, the insurance adjuster may deny it due to the roof aging. So, learning the process, terms, and conditions is necessary. This includes understanding insurance adjuster jargon and their guidelines for making payments.
Google something like how insurance adjusters deal with the roof damage claim, their responsibilities, and their approach to roofing contractors at claim inspection.
Gain trust
Insurance adjusters require a roofer’s unbiased, honest, and professional claim estimate report. So, it is critical to gain the insurance adjuster’s trust and maintain a good relationship with them. Good relationships lead to referrals for disaster repairs.
Carrying yourself well will help project the image of professionalism you want to be associated with your company. After securing an appointment with an insurance adjuster, make sure to be punctual and well organized; bring your brochure and any printed materials with you—and refer to them—use these to illustrate what your company can offer and why they should choose you.
If you focus on everything your company can do, it may very well be a turn-off. Ultimately, this is actually about the insurance adjuster’s needs, not the entire portfolio of services your company offers. The adjuster will have particular requirements and concerns—focus on those. Show how your company is in a position to address those concerns quickly and efficiently. If you can solve their problems—and do it well—you will be setting yourself up for repeat business the next time the adjuster needs to get something off their plate.
Explain how you can help the adjuster assess roofs and how your services align with their needs—on an immediate and recurring basis. Provide a list of references, so they can check your work and see your reputation with past clients.
Building a good relationship with insurance agents is key to getting referrals; keep in touch and follow up after meeting with them. The insurance company will likely require significant paperwork before agreeing to work with you. Ensure you prepare all necessary documentation, such as licensing, insurance, and previous work history. The more professional you handle roofing projects, the more credible you seem to insurance companies.
Team up with the insurance adjuster
When you inspect a roof, there could be a conflict with the insurance adjuster if you are not on the same page. The adjuster may not want to accept all of the damages being claimed. Try to get on the same page and reduce the chance of unpleasant surprises.
Help your insurance adjuster understand how a roofing inspection works so they better understand the process. Show them the claim forms and how they relate to different aspects of the inspection. Increasing their knowledge of the inspection process will help them make better decisions when it comes to claims.
Understand that every insurance company must follow the rules, and every insurance adjuster will interpret those rules differently. Take your time when gathering information from the adjuster and ask the right questions before proceeding with any work.
Taking your time and asking questions will (hopefully) put the adjuster at ease and avoid conflicts. It is necessary to follow their procedures closely and work within your limitations. This will make the process smoother and less contentious.
Conclusion
There is no lead-generation source better than referrals from an insurance company. Become comfortable in their world. Seek out relationships with insurance companies and build solid relationships with them based on performing quality work. Be professional and spend the time to learn the adjuster’s procedures to gain trust and minimize conflicts—this is the path to lucrative roofing contracts. Stay in the loop to learn more strategies to grow your roofing business.
