Red Flags When Choosing a Roofing Company: Protecting Yourself from Storm Chasing Scams

Don’t Fall Victim to Storm Chasers: Your Guide to Spotting Red Flags When Choosing a Roofing Company

After a severe storm rolls through your neighborhood, you might notice an uptick in door-to-door salespeople claiming to be roofing contractors. While legitimate contractors do exist, many of these post-storm visitors are what the industry calls “storm chasers” – opportunistic scammers who prey on vulnerable homeowners desperate to repair their damaged roofs. Understanding how to identify these red flags could save you thousands of dollars and protect you from substandard work that could compromise your home’s safety.

What Are Storm Chasing Scams?

Storm chasers, also called hail chasers or roofing gypsies, travel to regions affected by hail and wind damage to repair and replace damaged roofs. While many provide quality service in areas in desperate need of additional workers after severe weather, the industry is also wrought with scam artists who take advantage of homeowners desperate to fix their homes and get on with their lives.

A storm chaser’s business model is built on using severe weather events to scare homeowners into a hasty repair, and offering cheaper prices that they achieve by cutting material costs and using cheap, inexperienced labor. These contractors typically come from out of state and track storms so they can go door-to-door, pursuing storm chasers roofing cons that cost homeowners a lot of money.

Major Red Flags to Watch For

Unsolicited Door-to-Door Sales

The biggest warning sign is the knock itself. If you didn’t call the company and they appear looking for work, proceed cautiously. Legitimate contractors typically don’t go door-to-door looking for work. Any roofer who approaches you as a door-to-door salesperson should be vetted with caution. Successful roofing contractors typically don’t need to be knocking on homeowners’ doors.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Roofing storm chasers are known for their high-pressure sales techniques. They use fear as a tool, pressuring homeowners with claims that their roofs are in dire need of immediate repair or replacement. As a storm chasing company, they may even push homeowners into signing contracts on the spot and making upfront payments. No legitimate roofing professional will pressure you into hasty decisions or resort to scare tactics to secure a job.

Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True

They offer a free roof or free deductible. Do not go along with this. This is insurance fraud. This is one of the most prevalent scams in the roofing industry and is outright insurance fraud. Additionally, storm chasers often offer unrealistically low prices to catch your attention, but these usually involve low-quality materials and poor workmanship.

Lack of Proper Documentation

Legitimate roofing contractors should have identification that shows they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Storm-chasers, on the other hand, may not have any identification or may provide fake documents. Always ask for identification and verify that it is legitimate. Every roofing company should be licensed, bonded, and insured in the state(s) they operate in. These three pieces of paper protect you and your investment by ensuring the job is done right. That’s why it’s crucial to ask for their paperwork to ensure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured specifically in your state.

Demands for Upfront Payment

A reputable roofing contractor will typically not ask for payment upfront. On the other hand, roofing scammers may demand a large deposit or even full payment before they begin work. This is a red flag and could be a sign that the contractor is planning to take your money and run.

How to Protect Yourself

Work with Local Companies

When searching for a roofing company near me, prioritize established local businesses with strong community ties. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to use a local roofing company you already know and trust. Unlike wandering roofers, local roofing companies are held accountable for their work. While there are local roofing companies whose main income source is insurance claims, many storm chasers come in from out of state. Any potential roofing company, no matter if it’s insurance or retail work, should have a local office and phone number area code.

Companies like Roofing All Stars LLC, which serves Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and surrounding areas in Arizona, exemplify the values you should look for in a legitimate contractor. Their commitment to “honest, reliable, quality service” and their focus on building long-lasting customer relationships demonstrate the accountability that comes with local presence.

Take Your Time

The best way to avoid getting scammed by a storm chaser is to avoid them altogether. If a storm chaser knocks on your door saying you have storm damage, simply tell them you’ll reach out to your trusted roofer and insurance company. Even if you don’t have a roofing company yet, this at least gives you time to look for and choose one that’s local to your area.

Start with Your Insurance Company

Regardless, your first call after a storm should be to file an insurance claim with your insurance company. The roof repair process should begin only after you’ve made the initial call to your insurance company. In the meantime, make temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage and keep your receipts. Contact your insurance agent or claims center as soon as possible.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a storm chasing scam, take immediate action:

  • Contact your state’s attorney general: File a complaint with your attorney general’s office. They may be able to investigate the contractor and take legal action if necessary.
  • Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the BBB to warn other consumers about the fraudulent contractor. The BBB may also be able to mediate a resolution between you and the contractor.
  • Contact local law enforcement: If you believe the contractor has committed a crime, such as fraud or theft, contact your local law enforcement agency.
  • Take legal action: If you’ve suffered financial losses due to the roofing scam, you may consider legal action. Consult an attorney specializing in consumer fraud cases to explore your options.

The Bottom Line

The best defense against roofing scams is prevention. Always research before hiring a contractor, and never sign a contract without verifying the contractor’s legitimacy. Remember that legitimate roofing companies understand that roof repairs and replacements are significant investments that require careful consideration. They won’t pressure you into immediate decisions or use fear tactics to secure your business.

When storm damage occurs, resist the urge to hire the first contractor who knocks on your door. Instead, contact your insurance company, get multiple quotes from established local contractors, and take the time to verify credentials and references. Your patience and diligence in choosing the right roofing professional will pay dividends in quality workmanship and peace of mind for years to come.