When hiring a roofing contractor, the lowest-bidder is not always the best for the job. Roofers with good insurance, good safety equipment, and well-trained, skilled employees charge more than fly-by-night outfits, and rightly so. Quite often, that roofer will have a standing relationship with a reliable manufacturer who puts out a good product and backs it up. Check the insurance, license, professional certifications, and references of any roofer you interview. The right shingle and the right roofer will make for a lasting job.