How to Avoid Roofing Storm Chasers After a Florida Storm
Introduction
After a big storm in Central Florida, roofing trucks seem to appear overnight. They knock on doors, hand out flyers, and promise “free roofs” through insurance. Many of these crews are legitimate, but some are storm chasers: out-of-town contractors who sweep into disaster zones looking to make quick money, then disappear before warranty issues or poor workmanship come to light.
In this post, we’ll explain how to spot storm chasers, protect your home and wallet, and make smart choices when it comes to roof repairs after severe weather.
What Are Roofing Storm Chasers?
“Storm chasers” are contractors (often from out of state) who follow major weather events—hurricanes, hail, or windstorms—and target neighborhoods with visible damage.
They usually move fast, offer deals that sound too good to be true, and pressure homeowners to sign repair contracts or insurance assignments on the spot.
The problem? Once the work is done and payment clears, they’re gone. And when leaks or problems show up months later, they don’t come back.
At Contender Roofing, we see things a little differently. We want you to feel secure in your own home and we want you to feel comfortable working with a reputable builder. In the next section, see what you should be looking out for to avoid a future headache.
5 Warning Signs of a Storm Chaser
1. They show up right after the storm
If someone knocks on your door within 24–48 hours after a storm offering inspections or free roofs, be cautious. Reputable local roofers get busy with existing clients first and don’t usually cold-call door-to-door.
2. They’re not local
Storm chasers often have out-of-state license plates, temporary office numbers, or vague business addresses. Always check their Florida contractor license and business registration on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.
3. They pressure you to sign quickly
High-pressure tactics like “we can get your insurance to pay 100% if you sign today” are a major red flag. A trustworthy roofer gives you time to think and compare bids.
4. They ask for large upfront payments
Legitimate roofers rarely need more than a small deposit (often 10–20%) to schedule work. Storm chasers might ask for 50% or even full payment upfront, then vanish.
5. They offer to handle your insurance claim completely
While roofers can help document damage, they cannot legally negotiate your insurance claim unless they are licensed public adjusters. Be wary of anyone who says they’ll “take care of everything” or asks you to sign over your benefits (Assignment of Benefits or AOB).
How to Protect Yourself
Hire Local, Licensed, and Insured Roofers
Before hiring anyone, verify:
Their Florida roofing license (check at www.myfloridalicense.com).
Their local business address and insurance coverage.
That they have a track record of work in your county or city: look for online reviews, photos, or references from neighbors.
2. Get Multiple Estimates
Don’t feel rushed. Get two or three written estimates so you can compare scope, materials, and pricing. A trustworthy company will explain any price differences.
You might even want to have a free roofing inspection with no pressure as a baseline for future improvements (also helpful if you ever need to bring on insurance).
3. Read Contracts Carefully
Never sign incomplete paperwork or documents you don’t understand, especially anything involving an “Assignment of Benefits.” Always do your research and bring on someone to get a second opinion.
4. Check for Warranty & After-Storm Support
Ask what kind of workmanship warranty is included and how long they’ve been operating locally. Storm chasers usually can’t honor long-term warranties because they won’t be around.
Why Choosing a Local Roofer Matters
Local roofing companies understand Florida building codes, wind zone requirements, and insurance documentation. They also depend on community reputation, meaning they have a reason to stand behind their work.
When you hire a trusted local contractor, you’re getting accountability, proper permitting, and peace of mind that someone will answer the phone months or years down the road.
Final Thoughts
Storm damage is stressful enough. Don’t let a storm chaser make it worse.
Take your time, verify credentials, and work with a reputable local roofing company that’s here long after the storm passes.
If you recently experienced roof damage and want an honest, no-pressure inspection, our team at Contender Roofing in Central Florida is here to help. Ask for Austin, and we’ll walk you through the process clearly, document everything for insurance, and give you a fair, transparent quote.
