The short answer
Be careful with anyone who knocks on your door after a storm, pressures you to sign today, asks for a large deposit, or offers to “take care of” your insurance deductible. Take your time, check licenses, and get a second opinion.
Common scams
- Door-to-door storm chasers: out-of-town crews who show up after a storm, do quick, poor work, and disappear.
- “We’ll cover your deductible”: offers to waive or absorb your deductible. In many states this is illegal and can count as insurance fraud.
- Disappearing deposits: a large payment up front, then no work.
- Fake or exaggerated damage: showing photos from another roof, or causing damage, to push a claim or a full replacement.
- Signing away your claim: contracts that hand control of your insurance claim to the contractor. Florida largely ended assignment of benefits for property policies issued since 2023, but read anything you sign carefully.
- “Today only” prices: pressure to sign before you can think or compare.
Warning signs
- No local address or license number
- Cash only, or a large deposit
- Pushing you to sign before your insurer inspects
- Vague estimates with no itemized costs
- Asking you to sign a blank or incomplete form
How to protect yourself
- Take photos of any damage yourself.
- Call your insurer before you sign anything with a contractor.
- Check the roofer’s license and insurance.
- Get at least two written estimates.
- Never sign something you do not understand. Ask a family member to read it with you.
Good to know
If you think you were targeted by a scam, report it to your state attorney general’s consumer protection office and your state insurance department.
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Common questions
Are all door-to-door roofers scammers?
No, but you should check them even more carefully. A good roofer will give you time to compare quotes.
What if I already signed something?
Read it carefully. Many states give homeowners a short window to cancel certain home-solicitation contracts. Contact your state consumer protection office for help.
How do I check a roofer’s license?
Search your state or local contractor licensing board online, or call them.