Storm chaser scams: how roofing and repair fraud works after a storm

What is a storm chaser roofer?

A storm chaser is a contractor who follows severe weather from town to town looking for damaged roofs. Some are legitimate crews filling in when local roofers are booked for months. Others take deposits and disappear, do poor work, or inflate insurance claims and leave the homeowner holding the risk.

The FTC warns that unlicensed contractors and scammers often appear in recovery zones. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes warned in August 2026 to be wary of anyone promising immediate cleanup or repairs after a weather event. In Ohio, Attorney General Dave Yost sued a Virginia-based company in March 2026, alleging it took deposits for roofing and siding work in storm-damaged northeast Ohio, promised to work with customers’ insurers and delivered nothing. His office cited 24 unresolved complaints totaling about $188,000.

The problem is the pattern, not the license plate. A local company can behave like a storm chaser, and an out-of-state company can be honest. What matters is whether the business is licensed in your state, has a real address, puts everything in writing and does not rush you. For the full list of warning signs across all restoration work, see restoration scams and red flags.

How do roofing scams work after a storm?

Most follow a familiar script. Knowing the steps makes them easier to spot.

1. The knock or the text. Someone shows up within days of the storm, or texts you. After Hurricane Isaias in October 2026, the Florida Attorney General’s office reported texts offering tree service “in coordination with your insurance company” and said they appeared to be scams.
2. The free inspection. The salesperson climbs the roof, often alone, and comes down with photos of damage.
3. The pressure. You are told the offer ends today, materials are running out, or the insurer will deny you if you wait.
4. The paperwork. You are asked to sign a contract, an inspection authorization, an assignment of benefits or a form letting the company talk to your insurer.
5. The money. The company asks for a large deposit, cash, or your insurance check.

The FTC says scammers ask you to pay for everything up front and insist on wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or cash. The Texas AG adds a warning not to sign a check from your insurance company over to a contractor. Our emergency storm guide covers what to do safely in the first 48 hours, before you talk to any contractor.

Can a roofer waive or pay my deductible?

In Florida, no. It is a crime. Under Fla. Stat. 817.234(7), a contractor, or someone acting for a contractor, who knowingly or willfully pays, waives or rebates all or part of a property insurance deductible commits a third-degree felony. A separate law, Fla. Stat. 489.147, bars contractors from offering a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, deductible waiver or anything else of value to get you to schedule a roof inspection or file a claim.

Florida also requires roofing advertisements that encourage you to contact a contractor about a roof claim to carry three disclosures: you are responsible for your deductible, waiving a deductible is third-degree felony insurance fraud, and filing a false claim is third-degree felony insurance fraud (Fla. Stat. 489.147).

Offers like “we’ll cover your deductible,” “free roof” or “you won’t pay a dime” are the clearest red flag. Your deductible is your share of the loss. A contractor who hides it is usually padding the estimate sent to your insurer, and you are the one who signs the claim. Other states treat deductible waivers differently, so ask your state insurance department how the rules apply where you live. Our storm damage claim guide explains how deductibles work.

What changed with assignment of benefits in Florida?

An assignment of benefits, or AOB, signs your right to insurance money over to a contractor. The contractor then deals with the insurer, and can sue it, in your place. For years, Florida storm chasers used AOBs to take over claims.

Florida has since restricted them. For residential and commercial property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, an attempt to assign post-loss benefits is “void, invalid, and unenforceable” (Fla. Stat. 627.7152).

Contractors may still ask you to sign a “direction to pay” or similar form. That is not the same document, and the rules around it are not settled in a way we can summarize. Florida DFS says it plainly: after storm damage, don’t sign anything, and call its helpline first (1-877-693-5236). Check your declarations page for your policy’s issue date.

What are my rights to cancel a contract?

Several layers of protection may apply, depending on where and how you signed.

The FTC rule has exceptions. It does not cover repair or maintenance work you asked for, and it does not cover a true emergency where you start the contact and give the seller a separate, signed, dated statement in your own handwriting waiving the right to cancel. A contractor who hands you a pre-printed “emergency waiver” to sign deserves a hard look.

To cancel, follow the method in the contract or statute. Florida’s roof rule requires certified mail or another provable delivery method. The FTC advises certified mail with a return receipt.

What do state attorneys general advise?

Attorneys general in Florida, Texas, Ohio and Arizona give nearly the same advice after every storm. That consistency is useful: these are the steps that work.

The Florida AG also advises getting lien releases from subcontractors before the final payment. The Texas AG suggests writing down a door-to-door salesperson’s license plate number. The FTC adds: don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.

To report a scam in Florida, contact the Attorney General at myfloridalegal.com or 1-866-966-7226. In Texas, call the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-621-0508. More resources are on our storm hub and the hire-a-pro hub.

What can a contractor legally do for my claim?

A roofer’s job is to inspect, estimate and repair. It is not to handle your insurance claim. In Florida, a contractor may not interpret policy provisions, advise you about coverage or duties, or adjust a claim on your behalf unless also licensed as a public adjuster (Fla. Stat. 489.147). Any repair agreement must include a good-faith, itemized, detailed cost estimate.

Florida also says that, outside narrow exceptions, only an attorney or a licensed and appointed public adjuster may adjust claims for money, and contractors may not advertise, offer or perform public adjuster services unless licensed as one (Fla. Stat. 626.854). Licensed public adjusters face fee caps in Florida. If you want someone to represent you with your insurer, see our guide to public adjusters.

A legitimate contractor can meet the adjuster at your home, point out damage and give you an itemized estimate to send to your insurer. A contractor who says “let us handle your insurance” or “we’ll deal with the adjuster for you” is offering something the law reserves for licensed adjusters and attorneys in Florida.