FARGO (AP) - A Sept. 21 hail storm in the Fargo area led to more than 14,000 insurance claims totaling about $62 million, the state Insurance Department says.

Of those claims, 7,270 were from homeowners. The rest were automobile and commercial claims, which include farms.

Roofers have been busy.

"It's welcome work, especially with the housing slowdown," said Bill Blixt, president of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead.

Todd Kirchoffner owns Built Right Construction of Fargo. He said he has had so many requests for roof repairs that he added a five-person roofing crew. Most of his recent business has been shingling.

Homeowners have been warned about out-of-state companies that do shoddy work and leave quickly.

"I feel bad for a lot of these people that have contracted with out-of-state roofers and now they're gone. The last thing anybody wants is water raining in their living room," Kirchoffner said.

"The most important thing is to go with who you feel comfortable with," said Jason Peach, Mastercraft Exteriors production manager. "It's not always a price issue, especially on insurance claims."

Fargo city commissioners passed an ordinance on June 2 that requires contractors to buy a local roofing license every year.

Contractors must provide proof of state licensing, liability insurance and a statement securing workers compensation coverage. Transient contractors must also provide surety bonds.