Beware of Storm Chasers! How to Identify Roofing Company Scams and Door Knockers
Have you recently been solicited by a roofing company claiming to be authorized to check for damage after a storm? Storm chasers are roofing companies who visit neighborhoods recently impacted by a storm and its damage, whether from wind or hail. After a damaging storm, these contractors will go door to door and try to sell you roof repair services. These contractors know that local roofing companies are overwhelmed after a big storm comes through. So, they will use computer programs and their knowledge of insurance companies to estimate the repair cost before bidding to an unsuspecting homeowner. Typically, these contractors start the sales process by offering potential customers a free roof inspection.
Here’s how to identify storm chasers:
A DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESPERSON WILL APPROACH YOUR HOME
Be wary of anyone offering roof repair by going door to door. Sometimes these storm chaser contractors pretend to be from a local roofing company and claim to have performed previous work on the home or say that the previous roofer isn’t in business anymore. Don’t be fooled. Ask for proof of a valid license and a previous work order form. Often, the roofing company is also just knocking on doors to drum up business even if there hasn’t been a storm in months.
THEY WILL SAY THAT AN UPFRONT PAYMENT REQUIRED
Many times the storm chaser contractor will insist on full payment upfront, especially in cash to pay for materials. This is a sign to stay away! There’s a good chance that if homeowners pay a storm chaser contractor in cash, they’ll never see them again.
THEY WILL OFFER TO PAY YOUR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE
It is illegal for a roofing contractor to waive the homeowners’ insurance deductible. It is considered insurance fraud. If homeowners let a contractor pay their deductible, they’re putting themselves at risk for legal action. Make sure to examine your policy and local legislation regarding insurance fraud to avoid this trap.
THEY MAY PURPOSELY CAUSE DAMAGE DURING THE “FREE INSPECTION”
Storm chaser roofing contractors typically offer a free “roof inspection” and these schemers will create damage if the roof’s damage isn’t enough to warrant extensive repair. Avoid it by listening and observing when a storm chaser is performing a supposed roof inspection.
YOU WILL SEE FLUCTUATING BIDS
There is a common roofing scam also known as the “elevator ride.” In this scam, the contractor offers a low bid at first, knowing that the homeowner doesn’t have much experience with roofing jobs. Eventually, lots of “unexpected” costs come up, such as discovering new damage or an increase in the cost of materials. However, reputable roofing companies won’t do this to their customers. While material prices do sometimes go up, contractors usually get a few weeks’ notice, meaning it shouldn’t affect the accuracy of bids.
