Storm Chasers vs. Local Roofers: Protecting Yourself from Scams
After every Kansas storm, the door-knockers show up. Out-of-state plates, big promises, and a contract they want you to sign right now. Here's how to spot them.
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Every time a big storm rolls through the Kansas City area, you can set your watch by it. Within 48 hours, trucks with out-of-state plates are working the neighborhoods door to door, telling everyone their roof is destroyed. These are storm chasers, and they've been pulling the same routine in Kansas for decades. Some of them do decent work. A lot of them don't. And almost none of them will be around when something goes wrong six months later.
How to spot a storm chaser
- Out-of-state license plates and no local office address
- They show up at your door unsolicited right after a storm
- High-pressure tactics: "this deal is only good today" or "your neighbor already signed"
- They offer to hide a discount or a different project cost from your insurer
- They want you to sign a contract before you've had time to think about it
- No verifiable local references or history in the area
- They can't provide a physical office address you can drive to
Visible roof patterns after a storm
Possible impact pattern
- Scattered marks
- Localized granule loss
- Soft spots or bruising
- Exposed mat at some marks
Possible age-related pattern
- Broad changes across a slope
- Gradual granule thinning
- Firm surface between marks
- Blisters or raised areas
The deductible trick
This is the one that gets people. A storm chaser shows up and says, "Don't worry about your deductible. We'll take care of it." Slow down and ask for the complete project cost in writing. Your deductible and coverage obligations come from your policy and insurer. Any discount should appear truthfully in the written contract and final invoice. Before signing, confirm the claim treatment with your insurer.
Why local matters
When we install a roof, we're around for what comes after. If something leaks in two years, you're not calling a disconnected phone number. You're calling a company that's been in your community and plans to stay here. Our workmanship warranty means something because we're here to honor it. We have a local reputation that we've built one job at a time, and we're not going to risk that by cutting corners on your house.
What to do after a storm
When an unfamiliar crew starts knocking, take time to verify the business before signing. Report visible storm damage to your insurer promptly according to your policy and document the property from a safe location. A local roofer can inspect roof conditions and provide a written estimate, while the policy and insurer determine coverage and settlement.
Storm damage on your mind? Give us a call at (913) 954-4501. We'll do a free inspection and give you a straight answer. No pressure, no gimmicks.
Sources
Primary references used for the specific claims identified in this guide.
- Filing a Home Insurance Claim
Kansas Department of Insurance
Explains prompt loss reporting, damage photographs, temporary protection, policy review and the separate roles of the insurer and a contractor's estimate.
Want a straight answer about your own roof?
Free inspection, written report, no sales pitch. We cover Johnson, Douglas, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties.
