A storm chaser, in the context of roof damage, is a roofing contractor who follows in the wake of severe weather incidents with hopes of doing a lot of repair work — and usually very quickly. They often come from out of town when there’s a disaster and leave just as quickly. Knowing you have a check coming from your insurance company, they may fix your roof with cheap materials and pocket the remaining cash.
Storm chasers typically use high-pressure sales tactics to convince homeowners that they need a new roof, even if there is no significant damage. They may also offer to waive your deductible or pay you cash back.
It’s important to be aware of the signs of a storm chaser before you hire them. Here are a few things to look out for:
- They offer to inspect your roof for free.
- They pressure you to sign a contract right away.
- They offer to waive your deductible or pay you cash back.
- They are from out of town and don’t have a local office.
- They use high-pressure sales tactics.
If you’re not sure whether a contractor is a storm chaser, it’s always best to get a second opinion from a reputable local roofing company.
Here are some tips to avoid getting scammed by a storm chaser:
- Don’t let them pressure you into signing a contract right away.
- Get a second opinion from a reputable local roofing company.
- Ask about the contractor’s warranty and track record.
- Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured.
- Don’t pay for the work upfront.
If you think you’ve been scammed by a storm chaser, you should contact your insurance company and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.