After major storms, storm chasers flood affected areas looking to take advantage of homeowners. These unscrupulous contractors often provide poor work, disappear after taking money, and leave homeowners with bigger problems. This guide teaches you how to identify storm chaser scams, verify legitimate roofers, and protect yourself from fraud after storms.
What Are Storm Chasers?
Storm chasers are contractors who:
- Follow storms to affected areas
- Show up uninvited after storms
- Use high-pressure sales tactics
- Often provide poor quality work
- May disappear after taking payment
- May not be licensed or insured
They take advantage of homeowners when they're most vulnerable—right after storms when damage is fresh and emotions are high.
Red Flags of Storm Chasers
Watch for these warning signs:
Immediate Red Flags
- Door-to-Door Solicitation: Showing up uninvited after storms
- High-Pressure Tactics: "Limited time offers," "Sign today"
- Large Upfront Payments: Requesting 50%+ upfront
- Out-of-State Plates: Temporary local presence
- No Local References: Can't provide local business history
- Vague Information: Unwilling to provide details
Sales Tactics
- "Insurance will pay for everything"
- "We can handle your insurance claim"
- "Sign over your insurance benefits"
- "Limited time offer"
- "We're leaving town soon"
Legitimate roofers don't need to pressure you.
How to Verify Legitimate Roofers
Always verify before hiring:
Check Licensing
- Verify Florida contractor's license at myfloridalicense.com
- Check license is active and in good standing
- Verify license matches business name
- Check for disciplinary actions
Verify Insurance
- Request certificates of insurance
- Verify directly with insurance company
- Check coverage amounts are adequate
- Ensure policies are current
Check Local Presence
- Physical business address (not P.O. box)
- Local phone number
- Established local business
- Local references you can contact
Research Online
- Google reviews and ratings
- Better Business Bureau rating
- Local business listings
- Social media presence
Protecting Yourself
Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Don't Rush
- Take your time to decide
- Get multiple estimates
- Research roofers thoroughly
- Don't sign under pressure
Get Everything in Writing
- Detailed contract
- Specific materials and work
- Timeline and payment schedule
- Warranty information
Never Sign Over Insurance Benefits
- Don't assign insurance benefits to contractor
- You should control insurance payments
- Pay contractor directly after work is complete
Verify Before Paying
- Never pay large amounts upfront
- Verify work is complete before final payment
- Get lien waivers with payments
- Use checks or credit cards (paper trail)
Working with Legitimate Roofers
Legitimate roofers:
- Have established local businesses
- Are licensed and insured in Florida
- Can provide local references
- Don't pressure you to sign immediately
- Provide detailed estimates
- Have proper payment terms
- Stand behind their work
RIF-certified roofers are vetted, licensed, insured, and held to higher standards. They're part of a network that ensures quality and accountability.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you believe you've been scammed:
Document Everything
- Keep all contracts and documents
- Take photos of poor work
- Document communications
- Keep receipts and payment records
Report the Scam
- File complaint with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Report to Better Business Bureau
- Contact local law enforcement
- Report to state attorney general
Get Legal Help
- Consult with attorney if significant loss
- Consider small claims court for smaller amounts
- Document all losses
Fix the Damage
- Hire legitimate roofer to fix problems
- Get proper repairs done
- Don't let problems worsen
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a roofer is a storm chaser?
Storm chasers typically: show up uninvited after storms, use high-pressure sales tactics, have out-of-state licenses or temporary local presence, request large upfront payments, can't provide local references, and pressure you to sign immediately. Legitimate roofers have established local businesses, Florida licenses, local references, and don't pressure you.
What should I do if a roofer shows up at my door after a storm?
Politely decline and close the door. Don't feel pressured to talk to them. Legitimate roofers don't go door-to-door. If you need a roofer, research and contact established local businesses yourself. Never hire someone who shows up uninvited.
Is it safe to hire roofers who come from out of state after storms?
Be very cautious. While some legitimate companies may send crews to help after major storms, many out-of-state contractors are storm chasers. Always verify licensing, insurance, local presence, and references. If they can't provide proper credentials or local references, avoid them.
What if a roofer offers to handle my insurance claim?
Be cautious. While some roofers help with insurance processes, be wary if they: ask you to sign over insurance benefits, pressure you to use them, or make promises about what insurance will cover. You should control your insurance claim. Work with your insurance company directly and hire roofers separately.
How can I find legitimate roofers after a storm?
Find legitimate roofers by: researching established local businesses, checking Florida licensing, verifying insurance, reading reviews, asking for local references, and getting multiple estimates. RIF maintains a network of vetted, certified roofers throughout Florida who are legitimate, licensed, and insured.
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