What to Check Before You Sign Anything
- A physical Wisconsin address you can actually visit, not just a truck and a phone number
- Certificate of general liability insurance and workers' compensation, sent to you directly by the insurer or agent
- Whether the company will still be in the region in five years to honor workmanship coverage
- Who signs the contract: the local entity or an out-of-state one
- References from this storm, in your county, that you can call
- Written scope before any payment or deposit
The Paperwork Trap
Be careful with documents described as “just an inspection authorization” or “permission to speak with your insurer.” Some of these are contingency agreements that commit you to using that contractor for whatever the insurance company approves, sometimes with a cancellation penalty. Read what you sign, and never sign on a doorstep in a hurry.
Handling the Insurance Side Correctly
- Document damage with dated photos before anyone tarps or repairs
- Report the claim yourself, so you control the file
- Ask for a copy of the adjuster's scope and compare it against your contractor's
- Never let anyone offer to absorb, waive, or “work around” your deductible — that is not a favor
- Keep every invoice; supplements and depreciation releases depend on documentation
Our full walkthrough of the claim process is in the Wisconsin storm and hail damage claim guide.
The Northwoods Angle
Up here, a lot of storm-damaged property is seasonal — cabins and lake homes whose owners are three hours away when the wind hits. That gap is exactly what a traveling crew counts on. If you own a seasonal property, arrange for a local set of eyes and a documented inspection before you authorize work you cannot watch.
Common questions
- What is a storm chaser in roofing?
- A contractor or sales crew that travels into a region after a major storm, sells a high volume of roofs quickly, and then moves on. Some are legitimate operations; the practical concern is who honors the workmanship warranty after they leave.
- Should I sign an insurance contingency agreement?
- Only after reading it fully. These documents can commit you to a contractor for the entire insurance-approved scope, sometimes with cancellation terms. There is no requirement to sign one at the first visit.
- Can a roofer waive my insurance deductible?
- No. Your deductible is your responsibility under the policy, and arrangements to absorb or hide it create serious problems for the homeowner as well as the contractor.