Short answer: Minnesota gives you strong protections. If a roofer came to your door uninvited, you can generally cancel the contract until midnight of the third business day. If you signed a roofing contract that depends on your insurance claim, you can cancel within 72 hours after your insurer denies the claim. And under Minnesota law, a contractor may not offer to pay your insurance deductible or negotiate your claim unless they are a licensed public adjuster.
This article summarizes Minnesota consumer information from state agencies. It isn’t legal advice; for your specific situation, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce or an attorney.
1. You can cancel a door-to-door sale
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Minnesota Statutes 325G.07 lets you cancel a contract until midnight of the third business day when the contractor came to your door unsolicited. DLI also warns that some “price-agreeable” contracts carry cancellation fees of 20 to 30 percent, so read carefully before you sign anything at the door.
2. You can cancel if your insurance claim is denied
Under Minnesota Statutes 326B.811, you may cancel a residential roofing contract within 72 hours after your insurer tells you the claim is denied. The contractor must refund your payments within 10 business days, though they may keep payment for emergency work already done.
3. Contractors can’t pay your deductible or offer “anything of value”
Minnesota Statutes 325E.66 prohibits roofers and other contractors from advertising or promising to pay all or part of your insurance deductible. DLI explains that banned inducements include things like yard-sign payments, free upgrades, free meals and “anything of value,” with fines of up to $10,000 per violation. If a roofer offers to “cover your deductible,” that’s a red flag.
4. Your contractor can’t negotiate your claim
The same law says a contractor may not interpret your policy or adjust your claim unless they hold a Minnesota public adjuster license. A good roofer can inspect and document the damage, give you a detailed written estimate and meet your adjuster at the property to show what they found. The policy and the settlement are between you and your insurance company.
5. The contractor must give you a written estimate
Minnesota Statutes 325E.66 also requires a good-faith, itemized estimate of the repair cost before the work is done.
How to spot a storm chaser
The Minnesota Department of Commerce warns homeowners to avoid high-pressure sales tactics after storms. Common warning signs include:
- Showing up unsolicited right after a storm, often in an unmarked or out-of-state vehicle
- No Minnesota contractor license number
- Pressure to sign the same day
- Offers to pay or “waive” your deductible
- Asking you to sign over your insurance claim before you’ve seen a written estimate
Before you hire anyone, check their Minnesota license, photograph the damage, and report the loss to your insurer promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roofer pay my insurance deductible in Minnesota?
No. Minnesota Statutes 325E.66 prohibits contractors from advertising or promising to pay all or part of an insurance deductible.
How long do I have to cancel a roofing contract in Minnesota?
If the contractor came to your door unsolicited, generally until midnight of the third business day. If the contract depends on an insurance claim, you can also cancel within 72 hours after the insurer denies the claim.
Can my roofer talk to my insurance adjuster?
A roofer can show the adjuster the damage and provide estimates and photos, but only a licensed public adjuster may negotiate or adjust the claim on your behalf.
Had a storm come through? Ascension Roofing & Siding is licensed in Minnesota (BC753558) and BBB A+ accredited. Call (763) 333-7663 or schedule a free, no-pressure inspection.
