Do You Need 3 Estimates for a Roof Insurance Claim? The Real Reason They Ask

Quick answer: No. Most homeowners policies do not require you to get three roofing estimates to file a claim. Your duties after a loss are usually to report the damage, protect the property from further harm, and cooperate with the investigation. The “get three bids” advice often shifts work onto you and can be used to pressure the payout toward the lowest number.

You’ve just reported roof damage, and the first thing you hear is, “We recommend you get three estimates.” It sounds responsible. But in an insurance claim, it often benefits one party: the insurance company.

Why Do Insurance Companies and Agents Ask for Three Bids?

• It shifts the workload to you. Instead of the insurer doing the legwork, you’re chasing contractors.
• It creates pricing leverage against you. The lowest number can become “all we’ll pay.”
• It gives them a reason to underpay. If two bids come in low, your contractor’s accurate number looks “too high.”
• It delays the process. More bids mean more time, and less urgency to pay.

Does Your Policy Actually Require Three Estimates?

Check your policy. You’ll typically see requirements to report the damage, protect the property, and cooperate with the claim. What you usually won’t find is a requirement to collect three bids and let the insurer choose the lowest one. It’s pressure, not policy.

How Can Three Bids Cost You Thousands?

Say a code-compliant roof replacement built to manufacturer specs costs $17,000. You collect three bids:

The insurer may point to $10,800, even if that contractor uses lower-quality materials, leaves out code items, skips ice and water shield or drip edge, offers no real warranty, or doesn’t carry insurance. Now you either pay the difference to use the contractor you trust, or settle for less and hope nothing goes wrong.

Why Is the Lowest Bid Usually the Most Dangerous?

Lowball bids typically leave out damaged items, cut corners, use uninsured crews, avoid permits, skip code upgrades or come with weak warranties. When the roof leaks six months later, you’re on your own. More on that in the lowest bid lie.

What Should You Do Instead?

• Choose one solid contractor you trust and have them inspect the roof and write a complete, itemized scope.
• If the insurer pushes for more bids, push back politely: “I’ve selected my contractor. Here’s their scope. Please show me where my policy requires multiple estimates.”
• If the insurer approves less than the documented scope, ask your contractor about a supplement.
• Document everything: every bid request, every conversation, every dollar left out.

Final Thought: You Need One Bid, the Right One

You’re not an estimator, and you’re not responsible for doing the insurance company’s job. Hire a contractor who documents your roof thoroughly and writes a complete scope. Bold Roofing provides free inspections with photo reports and written estimates you can share with your insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Mikel Miller, owner of Bold Roofing in Branson, MO, and a former State Farm agent and insurance adjuster. This article is general information, not legal advice. Always read your own policy and consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.

Keep reading: Can a Roofer Pay Your Deductible in Missouri? Why Deductible Deals Backfire · How Storm Roofing Sales Reps Get Paid, and How to Vet Any Roofer

Get One Complete, Honest Estimate

Call or text Bold Roofing for a free inspection and a detailed written scope. Serving Springfield, Branson and Southwest Missouri.