Roofer red flags after a storm

At the door

• They push you to sign today. L&I lists "sign today" specials and other pressure as a warning sign. (L&I F625-084-000)
• They will not show credentials, or they rush you to sign. The Insurance Commissioner flags both after home damage. (OIC)
• You cannot verify their registration or references. Roofing is a registered specialty, so the company should come up on L&I Verify. (L&I)

Insurance-claim red flags

• "We'll take care of your deductible." A business that makes a regular practice of waiving, rebating or paying deductibles is trafficking in insurance claims, a gross misdemeanor in Washington. (RCW 48.30A.015)
• An Assignment of Benefits handed over with the estimate. It lets the contractor deal with your insurer and collect payment without your approval. Read it and call your insurer first. (OIC)
• A roofer who says they will "handle the adjuster" for you. A public adjuster works for you and must be licensed and bonded in Washington. An independent adjuster represents the insurer. A roofer is neither. (OIC)

Paperwork red flags

Each of these sits on L&I's list of warning signs: (L&I)

• no written contract or complete bid;
• a request that you pull the building permit;
• an overlong warranty;
• a plan to do the work on weekends and after hours.

Payment red flags

• Cash only.
• A large deposit, or the full price up front.
• A check made out to a person instead of the business.

Same L&I list. (L&I)

Crew red flags

A roofing-only contractor registers as a specialty contractor, works only in its specialty and cannot hire subcontractors. (L&I) If a specialty roofer sends a different company to do the work, ask who you are dealing with.

Next

Read roofers and insurance claims and what roofer registration covers, then pick from the directory.