In Minnesota, contractors may not advertise or promise to pay your insurance deductible (Minn. Stat. § 325E.66). If you sign a roofing contract to be paid from insurance and your claim is denied, you can cancel in writing within 72 hours of the denial and get your payments back within 10 days, except for emergency services (Minn. Stat. § 326B.811).
Contractors can't cover your deductible
Minnesota law prohibits residential contractors from advertising or promising to pay all or part of your insurance deductible, or offering to compensate you for inspections, filing a claim, or referrals when insurance is paying (Minn. Stat. § 325E.66). If a contractor breaks this rule, the insurer isn't obligated to consider that contractor's estimate. A roofer offering to "take care of your deductible" is a red flag.
You can cancel if the claim is denied
If you sign a contract with a residential contractor, remodeler or roofer for work to be paid from your insurance proceeds, you can cancel within 72 hours after your insurer notifies you that the claim has been denied. Cancel in writing to the address in the contract; mailing it counts once it's in the mailbox. The contractor must return your payments within 10 days, except for emergency services already performed (Minn. Stat. § 326B.811).
Contractors must tell you this up front. The contract has to include a boldface notice of your 72-hour cancellation right and a separate "Notice of Cancellation" form (§ 326B.811, subd. 2). If a storm-chaser contract doesn't have it, don't sign.
A simple claim checklist
Photograph the damage and keep every letter and email from your insurer.
Check the contractor's license on the DLI lookup before you sign anything.
Read the contract for the 72-hour cancellation notice.
Make sure the contractor pulls the roofing permit for your city.
Planning a roofing & siding project?
cK Builders gives free estimates across St. Paul and Dakota County. Licensed MN #BC809999.
Can a roofer pay my insurance deductible in Minnesota?
No. Minn. Stat. § 325E.66 prohibits residential contractors from advertising or promising to pay all or part of an insurance deductible.
Can I cancel a roofing contract if insurance denies my claim?
Yes. Under Minn. Stat. § 326B.811 you can cancel in writing within 72 hours after your insurer notifies you the claim was denied, and the contractor must return your payments within 10 days, except for emergency services already performed.
What must a Minnesota insurance roofing contract include?
A boldface notice of your right to cancel within 72 hours after a claim denial, plus a separate Notice of Cancellation form.
