Like mosquitoes to water, storm chaser roofing companies swarm to cities impacted by hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Opportunistic contractors target commercial and residential property owners, inundating them with emails, phone calls, and door knocks, offering quick relief, low prices, and guaranteed insurance claims. They capitalize on stress and fear, using pressure when people are vulnerable.
Partnering with a storm chaser usually leads to poorly executed, over-budget, or incomplete projects.
What separates storm chasers from reputable restoration companies, and how can you identify them?
What Are Storm Chasers?
Storm chasers are contractors that travel to cities damaged by storms, using deceptive tactics to sell repair and restoration services. They move quickly from job to job and are not invested in the quality of their work or maintaining a good reputation within a community.
While fast responses to storms aren't automatically indicative of a disreputable company, you are more likely to encounter these contractors in the days and weeks after a storm event.
How to Identify a Hail Storm Chaser
Here are some red flags you can use to identify storm chasers and prevent roofing scams:
- Low prices — One of the first red flags is an unbelievably low price. Storm chasers lure property owners with offers significantly below market rates to secure a quick deal.
- Upfront lump sum payments — These contractors may demand a large lump sum payment or deposit upfront. Once they receive the money, they may disappear without completing the work.
- No online presence or references — Reputable companies will have an established online presence and verifiable references. Storm chasers lack both, making it difficult to track their work history.
- Downplaying certifications — Storm chasers often downplay the importance of certifications, which are critical indicators of a contractor's qualifications and reliability.
- Out-of-state tags — Be wary of contractors with out-of-state tags on their vehicles; this is a hallmark of storm chasers who move from one disaster-stricken area to another. Contractors from out of state may not be familiar with local standards and regulations, leading to potential non-compliance and issues with the quality and legality of the work performed.
- 1099 contractors — Hiring a 1099 contractor is risky. They’re not required to have insurance and may deliver subpar work because they’re only accountable to themselves, not a broader company.
- No clear headquarters — Storm chasers typically don’t have an official headquarters, making it difficult to hold them accountable for any issues that arise. Without a fixed business location, storm chasers can simply stop returning your calls and vanish.
- Unsupervised, unsophisticated — Storm chasers often allow their workers to operate unsupervised. This lack of oversight can result in subpar work, especially in complex restoration projects that demand skilled management and advanced techniques.
- "We’ll fix anything." — Storm chasers may boast that they’re a jack of all trades, but in many cases, that means they’re the master of none. Promises to "fix anything” and “help with any kind of project" signals a lack of specialization and expertise.
- Pressure tactics — Storm chasers use high-pressure tactics (e.g. “today-only” offers) to force quick decisions, leaving property owners little time to vet their credentials and explore other options.
- Inaccurate representation of hail damage — Storm chasers will employ "trust me" demeanor, sensationalize damage, and/or show you damage that may be from a different storm or cause entirely, which will not set you up for success when it comes time for a restoration project. Some contractors may even lie about the severity of the damage and make you pay for repairs you don't need.
How Hail Storm Chasers Impact CRE Owners
Why should commercial real estate owners be wary of storm chasers? Their tactics can lead to significant consequences, including structural issues, financial setbacks, and operational disruptions.
Here are just a few of the negative impacts of working with a storm chaser:
- Mismanaged commercial restoration — Many contractors who have done shingle work falsely believe other roof systems on commercial roof restoration are similar. This is incorrect, and without extensive commercial restoration experience construction projects will inevitably bring headaches and expensive consequences.
- Inaccurate estimates — Storm chasers often provide inaccurate estimates, leading to budget overruns and incomplete projects.
- Subpar materials and craftsmanship — Storm chasers use subpar materials and provide poor craftsmanship, leading to long-term structural issues for your property.
- Insurance conflicts — If a storm chaser falsifies damage, you may disrupt your insurance and damage your relationship with your carrier. Outside of malfeasance, misunderstandings and underestimations of commercial roof hail claim complexity increase the risk of full or partial denial.
- Unfulfilled promises — After paying a deposit, commercial property owners can be left with incomplete work that disrupts everyday operations. And because they operate as ghost companies, it can be difficult to hold them accountable.
How to Find a Reputable Hail Restoration Company
So how do you identify a reputable hail restoration company? Here are some green flags:
- Does not pressure you into a claim — A reputable company will suggest documenting clear evidence of hail damage to understand scope and having a strategic discussion prior to any decisions about filing a claim.
- Clear pricing — A trustworthy hail restoration company will provide a detailed breakdown of costs and sound reasoning for their pricing, ensuring that you understand what you're paying for and why.
- Transparent advice — Reputable contractors offer advice that is transparent and aligned with your best interests, not just theirs. They won’t pressure you into buying add-ons or services that don’t genuinely benefit the project.
- Local presence — Look for local license plates and/or a clear explanation of their headquarters location. This is a sign of a reputable company that can be easily contacted in case any issues arise.
- Strong online presence — A reliable company will have a robust online presence, including a website with real reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers.
- Professional demeanor — A good company maintains a professional, respectful demeanor, refrains from employing pressure tactics, and focuses on building trust with clients, not aggressively pushing sales.
- Empathy-first approach — Dealing with storm damage can be stressful and emotionally taxing, especially when damage is extensive or tragedy has occurred. Reputable hail restoration companies operate with compassion when dealing with sensitive situations.
- Insurance knowledge — Sophisticated companies possess a deep understanding of insurance processes, ensuring a smooth restoration journey when a claim is in motion.
Don’t Fall for Post-Storm Roofing Scams
By recognizing the red flags of storm chasers, you can protect yourself from post-storm roofing scams. Always take the time to vet contractors thoroughly, seek multiple quotes, and consult online reviews.
Remember, the cheapest option is rarely the best when it comes to the safety and durability of your property. For expert advice and trustworthy service, reach out to a reputable hail restoration company that puts your interests above their own.
Own commercial property and impacted by a recent storm? Find out if you qualify for free hail assessment from HailSolve. Contact us.