Storm damage? How to vet a roofer in 10 minutes

The 48 hours after a hailstorm are when "storm chasers" — out-of-state roofers chasing easy insurance money — flood your neighborhood. Most disappear before the warranty expires. Here's how to vet a legitimate local roofer in 10 minutes.

Ask for the state license number

Every legitimate roofer carries an active state license. Get the number on the phone and verify it on your state's licensing-board website while you're still on the call.

Insurance certificate, not insurance summary

Ask for the Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing both general liability and workers comp. A summary or "we have insurance" verbal claim isn't enough — if a roofer falls off your house uninsured, you can be held liable.

A physical local address

Real local roofers have a yard, an office, or at minimum a registered business address in your county. PO boxes and out-of-state addresses are the #1 red flag for storm-chasers.

Estimate vs assignment of benefits

Never sign an "assignment of benefits" form on the first visit. This gives the roofer the right to negotiate directly with your insurance and can lock you into work you didn't approve.

FixItDial verified providers

Every roofer on FixItDial carries an active state license, valid COI, and a verified physical address in their service area. Tap to call — get a real upfront quote before any tarping or work begins.