The Myth That Just Won’t Die
If you’ve ever filed an insurance claim for roof damage, chances are someone—maybe your neighbor, maybe even an insurance adjuster—has told you “You need to get three estimates before your insurance will approve the claim.”
Sounds reasonable, right? More estimates mean better pricing and a fair deal… or do they?
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve been in the roofing business long enough to know that not everything you hear about insurance claims is true. In this blog, we’re going to debunk the myth that you need three estimates for your insurance claim and explain what actually happens behind the scenes when you file for roof damage repairs.
The 3-Estimate Rule: Fact or Fiction?
Verdict: MYTH
No, you do not have to send three estimates to your insurance company. There is no universal rule or law requiring homeowners to collect multiple estimates. Insurance companies have their own process for determining repair costs, and getting three estimates is not a requirement for claim approval.
So why does this myth persist? Let’s break it down.
Why Do People Think You Need Three Estimates?
The idea of collecting three estimates comes from a few places:
Old-School Insurance Practices – Years ago, some insurance companies encouraged homeowners to collect multiple estimates as a way to compare costs. However, today’s insurance adjusters use software like Xactimate, which calculates repair costs based on current market rates.
Advice from Contractors & Neighbors – Some well-meaning friends or local contractors might still believe in the three-estimate rule because it used to be common advice.
Mistrust of Insurance Payouts – Homeowners worry that insurance companies will try to underpay them, so they think getting multiple estimates helps negotiate a higher payout.
Misinformation from Outdated Policies – Some older policies may have once recommended multiple estimates, but modern claims processes are far more streamlined, making this practice unnecessary.
The truth? You don’t need three estimates—what you need is a reputable contractor who understands insurance claims.
How Insurance Companies Actually Determine Your Roof Repair Costs
Rather than relying on estimates from random contractors, most insurance companies use specialized pricing software to calculate repair costs. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
An Adjuster Inspects the Damage – Your insurance company sends out an adjuster to assess your roof damage and take photos.
They Input Data into Estimating Software – Most insurers use Xactimate or Symbility, which provides market-based pricing for labor and materials based on your location.
A Claim Payout is Determined – The adjuster generates a repair or replacement estimate based on their findings. This estimate is typically non-negotiable unless there is missing information or a mistake.
You Choose a Contractor – You can then hire a roofing company of your choice to complete the work based on the insurance-approved estimate.
Final Adjustments & Approvals – If your contractor finds additional damage or costs that weren’t originally included in the claim, they can file a supplement request to get additional funds approved.
Why Getting Multiple Estimates Could Backfire
Many homeowners think that getting three estimates gives them an edge in negotiations, but in reality, it can cause unnecessary delays and even lead to confusion or disputes with your insurance company.
Here’s why:
Delays Your Claim Process – The longer you take to gather estimates, the longer it takes to get repairs approved. Meanwhile, your roof could be sustaining further damage.
Inconsistent Pricing Causes Confusion – If one contractor bids significantly lower than the insurance estimate, the insurer may question the legitimacy of your claim. On the flip side, if another contractor bids much higher, the insurer may refuse to pay the full amount.
Opens the Door for Underqualified Roofers – Some homeowners choose the lowest bid to save money, but cheaper isn’t always better. Low bids often mean cheap materials, rushed labor, or unlicensed contractors.
Insurance Already Has a Pricing Model – Even if you submit multiple estimates, your insurance provider is likely to stick with their pre-determined payout from their software calculations.
Potential Out-of-Pocket Costs – If your insurance company only approves a set amount, but you choose a contractor with a higher bid, you may be left covering the difference out of pocket.
What You Should Do Instead of Getting 3 Estimates
If three estimates aren’t necessary, what’s the best course of action? Here’s how to get the most out of your insurance claim without the hassle.
Find a Trusted, Insurance-Savvy Roofing Contractor
Look for a company experienced in insurance claims (like Tier-One Roofing).
Check their BBB rating, online reviews, and licensing.
Make sure they offer a warranty on their work.
Let the Roofing Contractor & Insurance Adjuster Work Together
A knowledgeable contractor can communicate directly with the adjuster to ensure all damage is accounted for.
If something is missed in the initial estimate, your roofer can request a supplement to adjust the payout.
Document Everything
Take clear photos of the damage before the adjuster arrives.
Keep records of all emails, phone calls, and paperwork related to the claim.
Ask for a detailed explanation of your policy’s coverage.
Use a Supplement Request if Needed
If the insurance estimate is too low, a reputable contractor can file a supplement request with evidence proving why the payout should be adjusted.
Schedule Repairs Quickly
The longer you wait to fix your roof, the greater the risk of further damage, which may not be covered by insurance if it’s considered neglect.
Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need 3 Estimates?
No, you do not need three estimates to get your roof repaired through insurance. This is an outdated myth that often causes unnecessary delays and confusion for homeowners.
Instead of wasting time collecting bids, focus on finding a trustworthy, experienced roofing contractor who understands insurance claims. A good roofer can work directly with your insurer to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without the headache.
By choosing a professional contractor with insurance expertise, you ensure that your roof is repaired efficiently, fairly, and with high-quality materials—without the runaround of multiple estimates.
At Tier-One Roofing, we specialize in seamless, hassle-free insurance claims and top-quality roof repairs. Whether you’ve had storm damage or just need an inspection, we’re here to help every step of the way.
📞 Need expert roofing advice? Call us today at (918) 393-4682 or visit www.tier-oneroofing.com to schedule a free inspection!