A contractor is the licensed professional or company you hire to do the actual repair work after a storm. For most storm-damage claims this is a roofing contractor, sometimes a siding or general contractor as well.
Vetting checklist
Before signing anything, confirm the contractor is:
- Licensed in your state and locality.
- Bonded and insured — ask for a current certificate of insurance, not just a screenshot.
- Local — be wary of door-knockers from out of state who appear after a storm.
- Established — check reviews, BBB rating, and ask for references from claims they've worked.
- Experienced with insurance work — claims work has its own rhythm. Some great contractors don't do it.
Red flags
- Asks for full payment up front.
- Says they'll "waive your deductible" — this is insurance fraud, illegal in every state.
- Wants you to sign an "Assignment of Benefits" before you understand it.
- Pressures you to sign at the first meeting.