Should You Use the Roofer Your Insurance Company Recommends?

Written By Craig Greene

When a storm hits, it’s common for homeowners to be steered toward a “preferred” roofer through an insurance company or its partner network. On the surface, that sounds convenient—until you understand how these programs actually work and the incentives baked into them.

What “Preferred Contractor” or “Managed Repair” Really Means

Most big carriers don’t directly employ roofers. Instead, they use third-party administrator (TPA) networks—brands like Contractor Connection (a Crawford & Company business) and Alacrity Solutions—to feed claims to vetted contractors and to keep tight control over timelines, pricing, paperwork, and outcomes. The networks market this as streamlining the claim and improving “cost accuracy.” Crawford & Company+1

These networks are not free for contractors. Programs typically charge referral or “network” fees—often a percentage of the job or a per-claim fee—paid by the contractor to the network for work they “win” through the program:

  • Alacrity Solutions: A published Network Fee Addendum shows percentage fees tied to certain carrier programs (example shown for the Allstate program). em.alacrity.net

  • Contractor Connection (Crawford): An Applicant & Program Requirements document outlines a “Sales Fee” of ~4.5% per job sold (with caps by project size) and notes “you only pay fees for work you perform.” Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog+1

  • Industry trade coverage for restoration TPAs commonly cites ~5–10% referral/admin fees (and sometimes higher) depending on the program. Cleanfax

Bottom line: When you use an insurance-recommended roofer, you’re often hiring a contractor who is paying the network a cut of the job for that lead. That payment doesn’t automatically make the contractor “bad,” but it does create financial pressure to accept network-dictated pricing and processes.

Important clarity on “kickbacks”: In the U.S., classic “kickbacks” for referrals are generally illegal; what happens here is typically contractors paying TPAs/network fees, not paying the insurer directly. Those fees are structured as referral/administrative charges through the network. Investopedia

Why That Matters to Your Roof

When a contractor gives up a percentage on every network job, they still have to keep the lights on. There are only a few places to make up the difference: materials, labor, time on site, or scope.

That’s where shortcuts sometimes creep in—especially with newer or cash-tight outfits trying to “make it work” inside a program’s fee and pricing constraints. Common problem areas we see on re-roofs:

  1. Skipping a full tear-off (re-roofing over old components)
    The International Residential Code (IRC) says roof replacement means removing existing roof coverings down to the deck (with limited exceptions). You can’t properly inspect or repair damaged decking if you don’t expose it. ICC Digital Codes
    The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) also recommends removing self-adhered underlayment when feasible so the deck can be examined for deterioration and to avoid unevenness that telegraphs through the new roof. Asphalt Roofing

  2. Using the cheapest possible accessories
    Starter strip, proper ridge/hip caps, high-quality underlayment, and correct flashing kits are what make a roof last. Cutting these for cost can void warranties or shorten life—issues that may not show up until the next storm cycle.

  3. Minimal time for quality control
    Program work emphasizes cycle time and documentation. When crews rush to hit network metrics, details like nailing patterns, flashing terminations, and ventilation get less attention than they deserve.

To be crystal clear: there are excellent contractors in these programs. But the economic incentives—fees paid out plus program pricing controls—can push some roofers to find savings in ways homeowners can’t see until later. Even insurance-side voices acknowledge that TPAs and managed repair exist to control cost. Alacrity Solutions

“Do I Have to Use the Insurance Company’s Roofer?”

No. Across the U.S., you have the right to choose your own contractor. Many states have anti-steering rules or guidance that prohibit insurers and adjusters from requiring a specific company for property repairs. As just one example, North Carolina regulators reminded carriers and adjusters they cannot require policyholders to use certain firms for property damage repairs. Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog

Networks themselves tell consumers the referral is free to the homeowner and that you simply pay the contractor for the work—another signal you’re not obligated to a particular company. contractorconnection.com

How to Protect Yourself (and Your Roof)

  • Insist on a deck inspection. Your contract should specify full tear-off to the deck (unless a narrow code exception applies) and replacement of any soft or water-damaged decking found. Cite IRC R908.3 in your scope. ICC Digital Codes

  • Confirm materials line-by-line. Make sure your estimate includes manufacturer-specified starter strip, correct underlayment type, ice/water shield where required, and proper flashing details—not “builder-grade equivalents.”

  • Ask the hard question about fees. “Are you paying a referral or network fee for my job?” A candid roofer will explain whether they’re in a TPA program and how that impacts your scope and schedule. (Many great contractors refuse program work precisely to avoid these constraints.) Cleanfax

  • Choose a local, accountable pro. Look for long-standing local operations with installation photos, manufacturer credentials, and real references—not just “in-network” status.

Infinity Roofing’s Position

At Infinity Roofing & Siding, our job is to represent you, not a cost-control program. We advocate for code-compliant scopes and manufacturer-approved installs—no shortcuts, no burying problems under old underlayment. If your claim is approved, we do it right the first time so you aren’t paying for the same roof twice.

  • We follow IRC R908.3 tear-off requirements and manufacturer specs on every re-roof. ICC Digital Codes+1

  • We perform (and document) decking inspections, replace compromised sheets, and install full systems—starter, field, ridge, vents, and flashing—per spec.

  • We’re transparent about pricing, timelines, and materials. If an insurer or TPA tries to undervalue what code and the manufacturer require, we’ll show the documentation and stand our ground.

Quick FAQ

Q: If I ignore the recommendation and pick my own roofer, will my claim be denied?
A: No. You choose the contractor; the insurer adjusts the price based on policy terms and prevailing rates. Your roofer’s job is to build to code and spec and to provide documentation that supports that price. Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog

Q: Are all “preferred” roofers bad?
A: Not at all. Many are solid. This article isn’t about people; it’s about incentives. Referral fees (often a % of the job) and program controls can create pressure that’s misaligned with workmanship. em.alacrity.net+2Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog+2

Sources & Further Reading

Craig Greene
Next

Why You Shouldn’t Request a Roofing Estimate When Insurance Is Covering the Damage