How to Protect Yourself Against Storm Chaser’s Roofing Scams (Don’t Get Scammed!)

How to Identify Roofing Storm Chaser Companies?

Regrouping after a storm shouldn’t have to include dealing with scammers. Luckily, there are ways to identify roofing storm chasers and protect yourself. Here are the red flags that are dead giveaways that you’re dealing with a disreputable roofing company: 

• Solicitors: Reputable roof companies do not typically hire salespeople to go door-to-door trying to convince you that you need a new roof or roof repairs. Your insurance provider won’t come to your home or call you if you have not reached out to them first. Be wary of people claiming to represent your insurance company asking for personal details about you and your insurance deductible and policy. This is likely a scam. 
• Pressuring sales tactics: Storm chasers want to secure as many projects as possible in a short period of time, so they may try to pressure you into signing contracts and starting the roof installation as quickly as possible. An established local company will not pressure you into making decisions about your roof prematurely. 
• Not a local company: Storm chasers are roofers that travel to different locations that just experienced a big storm. Because they are traveling roofers, storm chasers are not local to the areas they work in. They do their work quickly and move on, so they won’t back up their work with a warranty. To confirm if a company is local, look online to see if it is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), has positive reviews and has an active website. 
• Offering free inspections: Although a legitimate roofer offering a free inspection isn’t a scam, be wary of illegitimate storm chasers insisting on performing this service for you. During their “inspections,” scammy companies have purposely damaged roofs to provide “proof” that your roof needs a repair — creating the problem so you can pay them to fix it. 
• Promising a free roof: Storm chasers may claim that you can get a roof replacement at little or no cost. But this is no guarantee. If you haven’t personally spoken with a legitimate representative from your insurance company and have an approved insurance claim, your roof will not be free. 

How Do I  Protect Yourself Against Storm Chaser Scams? 

There are ways to protect yourself against storm chaser scams. For starters, don’t rush into an agreement, and call your insurance company first. Doing your research to find a reputable company and identifying roof issues yourself will safeguard you against fraudulent companies. 

• Don’t rush into an agreement: After a storm hits, scammers are hoping to catch you in a vulnerable moment and rush you into a binding contract without knowing all the facts. Never rush into an agreement like this. 
• Call your insurance company first: If your roof has sustained damage from a storm or freak accident, always call your insurance provider first. File a claim and discuss your options before entering into a contract with a roofer. Many insurance companies will even help you find a roofer to do the job. 
• Identify when your roof needs a repair or replacement: If the damage to your roof is not immediately obvious, don’t let a scammer convince you that you need an urgent repair. Instead, look for the signs yourself. Roof leaks, gutter clogging, signs of moisture and sagging are all tells that your roof needs attention from a professional. 
• Find a reputable company: Do your research to find a local roofer that does quality work. Check that your roofer has all the necessary licenses and certifications, is locally based and has positive online reviews. The roofing company you hire will never require you to pay the entire cost of a new roof up front, and it will back its work up with a warranty. 

Using Homeowners Insurance for Roof Storm Damage Repairs

If your roof was damaged by a storm or another unavoidable accident, your homeowners insurance or home warranty will usually help you cover the cost of the necessary repair or replacement.

Once you’ve called your insurance company, your insurer may send out a representative to do a roof inspection. Then your claim can be filed and the process of fixing your roof will begin. 

Home warranties will cover you in more situations than standard home insurance will, so it’s wise to be prepared for the worst with a home warranty that covers roof damage.

How Do I Connect With a Certified Professional Roofer?  

The bottom line is, if something seems fishy with your roofing contractor, it probably is. EcoWatch can help you stay informed, avoid scams and find a certified professional roofing contractor in your area.