Removing barriers to insurance restoration work

By Dani Sheehan. 

Deliver results for homeowners when they need it the most. Learn what is changing in the insurance industry and how you can build your business by helping homeowners navigate insurance claims. 

In the wake of two notable hurricanes making landfall over the last month, this engaging episode of Coffee Conversations, sponsored by GAF, addresses the ever-changing insurance industry and how roofing contractors can add insurance work to their business to help homeowners in need. Joining Heidi J. Ellsworth in this discussion was GAF External Learning and Development Lead Mike Thomas, GAF Territory Manager Eric Small and Lead Project Estimator for Tar Heel Construction Group LLC, Josh Price.  

Mike explained the changing industry landscape, shaped in part by the increase in extreme weather events: “Some sources say that up to 40% of re-roofing in the U.S. is a result of the insurance claim process or restoration... The weather has no boundaries. And so, to be a full-faceted business, you have got to see how those two models come together. Storm and retail are going to meet in the middle, and it’s going to be a combination of offering the right services and products.” 

As contractors navigate this shifting market, GAF is working to support them with tools like ScopeConnect™, which helps bridge the gap between retail and insurance work. Mike shared the value of this tool, explaining, “ScopeConnect is something born out of the idea of a company that is primarily retail... The adjusters, the insurance companies speak a very specific language when it comes to estimating. And this was our way to help contractors in this space that don’t speak that language, kind of have a Rosetta Stone.” 

The opportunity for contractors to expand into insurance work also strengthens their ties to the communities they serve. Josh emphasized how handling insurance claims can help position contractors: “It’s a great opportunity to help the community and continue to be a leader in the insurance sector. So that’s what I’ve done at Tar Heel is just help them navigate how to help the local community navigate the insurance process and do things the right way with the highest level of integrity.” 

Eric also highlighted the value of maintaining strong local relationships while adapting to the demands of insurance work. He shared, “Being the local representation in the area, having the relationship with the roofers, we want to make sure that they’re doing everything that they’re supposed to be doing the right way.” 

By staying rooted in their communities, roofing contractors can differentiate themselves from large, impersonal brands. “I say to everyone that the local roofer will always have power in the community because you are the household name versus some of these bigger brands that are coming in and out,” Eric added. “And at the end of the day, even though we are providing a service, it's about giving them a complete roofing system that's going to protect what matters most inside of the home.” 

Adding insurance services to your existing retail services can help grow your business while also strengthening your role in the community. Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to see how GAF can help you better navigate and understand the insurance sector.