Storm chaser roofing scams: Red flags after hail and wind
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Short answer: Red flags include claiming no license is needed, pressure to sign today, asking you to sign over your insurance check, demanding full payment up front or in cash, blank contracts, and offers to cover your deductible, which Colorado, Texas, and other states prohibit.[1][2][3] Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
After a big hailstorm, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Some are legitimate. Others vanish with deposits or do poor work.
What are the FTC red flags?
- They claim they don't need a license.
- They offer a discount only if you sign right now.
- They ask you to sign over your insurance check.
- They want full payment up front, or cash, wire, gift card, or crypto.
- They ask you to sign a blank contract.
- They steer you to a lender they know.
Source: FTC.[1]
Why is "we'll cover your deductible" a warning sign?
Several states ban it outright:
- Colorado bars roofers from paying, waiving, or rebating deductibles.[2]
- Texas requires the insured to pay the deductible, and the TDI says contractors may not waive it.[3]
- Minnesota prohibits offering to pay deductibles, with fines up to $10,000.[4]
- Wisconsin bans promising to pay or rebate them.[5]
Is a free roof inspection a scam?
A free inspection by itself isn't a scam. The warning signs are pressure to sign at the door, a contractor who claims "insurance will definitely pay," or anyone who wants to file or negotiate your claim for you. In Texas, a contractor can't act as your public adjuster.[6] The free, no-obligation inspections requested through this site come with no pressure, and the contractor won't promise what your insurer will decide.
To report a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.[1]
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- You get a written price. You decide. No pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free roof inspection a scam?
Not by itself. Be wary of pressure to sign immediately, promises that insurance will pay, offers to cover your deductible, or requests to sign over your insurance check.
Can a roofer pay my deductible?
In many states, no. Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, among others, prohibit contractors from paying, waiving, or rebating it.
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Sources
- FTC, How to Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters. consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scams-after-weather-emergencies-and-natural-
- C.R.S. 6-22-105. colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_6-22-105
- TDI, Can a contractor waive my deductible?. www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/can-a-contractor-waive-my-deductible.html
- Minn. Stat. 325E.66. www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325E.66
- Wis. Stat. 100.65. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/100/65/5
- TDI, Roofing and insurance: know the law. tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/roofing-and-insurance-know-the-law.html
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Estimates are not quotes. Roofing, insurance, and legal details vary. Confirm with your contractor, insurer, or attorney.