How Do You Know If Your Contractor Is a Storm Chaser or a Scammer?

After a storm, many homeowners find themselves in urgent need of repairs. Unfortunately, this is also when shady contractors, often referred to as “storm chasers,” appear on the scene. These fly-by-night operations exploit storm victims, promising fast and cheap repairs but often delivering subpar work—or worse, disappearing with your money. Here’s how to determine whether your contractor is legitimate or a storm chaser.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Unsolicited Visits or Calls

If a contractor shows up at your home unannounced after a storm or calls you without being contacted first, they are likely a storm chaser. Reputable contractors do not operate this way.

2. No Local Presence Before the Storm

Have you ever seen this contractor working in your area before the storm? If not, they might be a storm chaser who moves from town to town following severe weather.

3. Sudden Surge in Advertising

Are you suddenly seeing or hearing ads from a contractor that you had never heard of before the storm? If so, they may be a storm chaser looking to capitalize on the disaster.

4. Lack of Community References

Ask friends, family, or neighbors if they have used the contractor before the storm. If no one can vouch for their work, you should be cautious.

5. Unethical Insurance Practices

If the contractor offers to waive, rebate, or pay your deductible, they are committing insurance fraud. Avoid any contractor making such promises.

6. Social Media Red Flags

Check the contractor’s social media presence. If more than 50% of their posts focus on storm damage and insurance claims, they are likely a storm chaser.

7. Claims of Being a “Hail Specialist” or “Storm Expert”

While some contractors specialize in storm repair, those who aggressively market themselves this way often prioritize profits over quality work.

8. No History of Working in Your Municipality

Call your local municipality and ask if the contractor has been active in the area prior to the storm. If they have no prior history, they are likely a storm chaser.

9. Lack of Comprehensive Estimates

A trustworthy contractor will consider additional needs, such as ventilation, when providing an estimate. If they only estimate what is covered by insurance, they might be a storm chaser.

10. High-Pressure Tactics

If a contractor is pushing you to sign a contract or insisting that you must get the work done immediately, be wary. Most insurance companies allow a year or more for repairs.

11. Unauthorized Insurance Representation

A contractor should not file an insurance claim on your behalf or represent you in dealings with your insurance company. If they do, they are likely a storm chaser.

12. Vague or Incomplete Contracts

• Does the contract specify exactly what is being done and list the materials being used? If not, beware.
• Does the contract provide an exact dollar amount? If it only states “per insurance proceeds,” it is not legal in some states, such as Illinois.
• Does the contract include the contractor’s roofing license number? If not, it may be an illegitimate operation.

13. Premature Material Delivery

A reputable contractor will not have materials delivered to your home before they are ready to start work. If they do, it could be a sign of a storm chaser.

14. Lack of Local References

Ask the contractor for references from jobs they completed a few years before the storm. If they cannot provide any, they may not have a lasting presence in the community.

15. No Physical Address or Local Facility

Does the contractor have a physical address, or only a P.O. Box? Do they have a local facility you can visit? If not, they are probably a storm chaser.

How to Protect Yourself from Storm Chasers and Scammers

To protect yourself from storm chasers and scammers, always verify that the contractor is licensed and insured in your state. Check online reviews and ask for past client references to ensure they have a good reputation. Obtain multiple estimates from different contractors to compare pricing and avoid being overcharged. Carefully read the contract before signing anything to make sure you fully understand the terms. Finally, work with local, well-established companies that have a solid track record in your community.

By following these guidelines, you can avoid storm chasers and scammers, ensuring that your home is repaired properly by a trusted professional.

If you want to see for yourself the results of having work done by these types of contractors, come on into our facility and see our repair division’s scheduling board. The amount of extensive repair work we are still doing only 2-3 years after “storm chasers” roofs are completed is incredible. For a reputable and experienced contractor, contact Peterson Roofing.