Storm Chasers & Why They’re So Risky 

If a storm has recently hit your area, it’s tempting to hire the first contractor who offers to fix the damage. But the quick decision isn’t always the best one. Storm chasers and fly-by-night roofers are common in disaster areas, but they often don’t have your best interests at heart. These are contractors who travel across the country chasing storm damage, offering quick fixes at low prices. 

To ensure smooth home repairs and protect yourself financially, take time to research before hiring a contractor. This post explains why to avoid storm chasers, the warning signs, and how to find a trustworthy professional to repair your home safely.

Storm Chasers Deliver Fast Fixes, But Poor Quality

Storms can cause significant damage in no time, leaving many homeowners scrambling for help. Unfortunately, this urgency opens the door for storm chasers—contractors who capitalize on the chaos following a disaster. 

As tempting as it might be to get a roof repair or replacement ASAP, the quality of work from these storm chasers is often subpar. Their quick fixes might not hold up during the next storm, leaving your home vulnerable to further water damage. Even worse, many storm chasers lack local credentials, proper training, or certifications. 

Often, these contractors go door-to-door offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals. But they rarely do the work themselves. Instead, they hire subcontractors or handymen without verifying their qualifications or insurance. This leaves homeowners in the dark about who is actually working on their roofs—and whether they’re even qualified to do the job.

A fast fix like re-shingling over existing roof is a common storm chaser roof and a short term move for your roofing system.

Storm Chasers Push Urgency, Then Disappear 

Storm chasers thrive on urgency, making you feel like you need to act immediately. But don’t let their sales tactics fool you. While they may emphasize speed, they often fail to deliver reliable work or stick around if issues arise later on. 

Many storm chasers are in and out of business quickly. So even if their work doesn’t hold up, you’ll have a hard time tracking them down to fix their mistakes. 

That’s why hiring a local, trusted roofing contractor is worth the investment. Not only will they deliver higher-quality work, but they’re also more likely to stick around if you need follow-up repairs or support down the road.

Using a Storm Chaser Could Void Your Insurance

If your roof was damaged in a storm, your homeowner’s insurance might cover the repairs. But here’s the catch: insurance companies have strict rules for filing roofing claims. Reputable roofing contractors know these processes and can help you navigate them to get the coverage you deserve. 

Storm chasers, on the other hand, often recommend repairs that don’t align with insurance policies. This can leave you footing the bill for the work yourself. Even worse, using an unlicensed roofer can void your insurance policy entirely, meaning you lose your chance to replace your roof through insurance. 

To avoid this costly mistake, reach out to a roofing professional with experience handling roof insurance claims. They can guide you through the process and potentially save you thousands of dollars. 

Red Flags of a Storm Chaser

Take your time, research, and choose a contractor you can trust. Your home—and wallet—will thank you!

Finding the right roofing company can feel overwhelming, so watch out for these red flags:

1. They knock on your door offering a “great deal” on roof leak repair. 
2. They are not local to your area. 
3. They lack a valid license or insurance in your state. 
4. They insist on cash payment and avoid working with your homeowner’s insurance. 
5. They are not recognized by reputable asphalt shingle manufacturers (i.e. Owens Corning).
6. They offer much lower prices than others for the same service. 
7. They have no references or reviews. 
8. They have less than four years of experience. 
9. Their website is non-existent or poorly made. 
10. They pressure you to sign a contract without providing full details. 

If you notice any of these signs, avoid their services and find a reliable roofing company. Doing so saves money and ensures the job is done safely and correctly.

Common Tactics of Storm Chasers

Storm chasers target homeowners after storms, often posing as contractors. These typically unlicensed units are bad roofers that prey on homeowners who may lack industry knowledge or time to find qualified help. 

Their common tactics include: 

• Offering low estimates that skyrocket once work starts. 
• Claiming only certain insurance companies will cover repairs. 
• Skipping proper permits and paperwork. 
• Pressuring you to sign contracts that remove your rights or guarantees. 

These companies can exploit desperate homeowners, leading to higher costs and poor repairs. Protecting yourself ensures peace of mind and quality work.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Avoiding scams from storm chasers or rogue roofers requires vigilance. Use these tips to stay protected: 

1. Ask for references, both local and out-of-state. 
2. Verify the contractor is licensed according to state laws. 
3. Request an itemized estimate upfront to understand the roofing materials and labor costs. 
4. Get multiple bids, especially from local companies. 
5. Carefully review all paperwork before signing anything. Storm chasers often make contracts overly complicated. 
6. Avoid paying in cash; use a credit card, debit card, or check for added protection. 
7. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away. Don’t sign under pressure. 

Researching contractors thoroughly will protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Do your homework before hiring a roofer

It’s always smart to do a little research before making a big decision, and hiring a roofer is no exception. With Storm Chasers constantly hopping from state to state and offering deals that seem too good to be true, it’s important to know what to look for in a reliable roofer.

Websites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor are great places to start. They provide info on certified local businesses and reviews from real customers. Checking out the social media pages of the companies you’re considering can also give you insight into their work and reputation. 

Before signing anything, make sure the company you choose is legit—licensed and insured in your area. This will help protect you from scams or poor-quality work. And don’t forget to trust your gut. If something feels off, take a step back until you’re confident you’ve found the right roofer for the job.

Need storm help? Find a roofer you can trust

After a big storm, finding the right roofer can feel overwhelming. If you need repairs or a roof replacement, make sure you’re working with experienced, trustworthy professional roofers. Stick with local companies that have a solid reputation in your community. Not only are they familiar with your area’s weather, but they’ll also handle your roof repair with care and professionalism.

If you’re in Tennessee, Roof MD is here to help! We’re proud to have a five-star rating and to be winners of Angi’s Super Service Award for our commitment to customer satisfaction. We have vast experience in the insurance claims process and can help you file an insurance claim. Whether you have hail damage, wind damage or structural damage from a recent storm, talk with Roof MD. If your home has suffered storm damage, don’t wait—get in touch with us for your FREE Roofing Inspection today!