Stormchasers: Don't Get Conned After The Storm Passes

In home insurance, "Stormchaser" does not refer to people who actually track storms for scientific purposes, but a certain category of con-artist known to show up in the wake of a storm to make quick cash off of vulnerable homeowners. They promise to fix your roof, then they cash the checks from your insurer and perform a shoddy quick-fix, or simply disappear without ever fixing anything. Here's how to spot them, and how to avoid getting scammed:
Telltale Signs of a Stormchaser

• They ask to deal directly with your insurer, promising there will be "no cost to you." They like to work with the insurer so that you do not have the power to cancel payment when they do a poor job, if they do the job at all.
• Stormchasers frequently call you or even go door to door in affected neighborhoods immediately after a storm. This might not necessarily mean that you're dealing with a scammer, as many legitimate contractors go door to door to get ahead of the stormchasers.
• Stormchasers are known for their pushy sales tactics. Don't be afraid to slam the door in their face if they won't take no for an answer.
• They'll often want to go up on your roof for a "free estimate." They've been known to come back down the ladder with photos of another roof taken miles away, or may even cause damages themselves to justify repairs.

How to Avoid a Scam

• Don't hire someone just because they came to your door. Do your research and look for contractors with a reputation, with an online footprint, with plenty of reviews on the web to recommend them.
• Don't let your contractor work directly with the insurance company. File your claim, get your check, and pay your contractor from the insurance payout.
• Inspect the damages yourself so that contractors can't exaggerate their severity.

As long as you practice caution in your hiring process, you should be able to avoid getting conned by a storm chaser. When in doubt, call our agency and ask for recommendations on local contractors.