How to Avoid Being Scammed by 'Storm Chaser' Roofing Contractors in Illinois

Key Takeaways:

1. Real contractors don’t door-knock – Beware of roofers who show up uninvited after storms.
2. Never pay everything upfront – Scammers take your money and run.
3. Insurance matters – Let your insurance company assess the damage before hiring anyone.
4. Check local reputation – Reputable roofing companies have real addresses and reviews.
5. Pressure = Red flag – If they rush you to sign, walk away.

When severe weather hits Illinois, it's not just your roof that takes a beating—your wallet might too if you're not careful. Right after major storms, a swarm of storm chasers rolls into town. These fly-by-night roofing contractors knock on doors, promise quick fixes, and often leave homeowners with shoddy work, empty wallets, and bigger problems than they started with.

The worst part? Many of these storm damage "specialists" pressure you to sign fast, take your upfront payment and disappear before you realize you've been scammed.

So how do you tell the difference between a real reputable contractor and a roofing scammer? Here's what you need to know to protect your home—and your money.

What Exactly Are Storm Chasers?

Storm chasers are roofing crews (sometimes not even real contractors) who follow severe storms across states. They show up uninvited, often with a pickup truck and a crew, offering "free inspections" or claiming they can help with your insurance claim.

Their goal? Get you to sign a contract fast—usually before your insurance adjuster can even look at the damage. Many use high-pressure sales tactics, like saying "this deal is only good today" or "Your roof might collapse if you wait."

Red Flags That Scream 'Scam'

Not all out-of-town roofers are bad, but real reputable roofing companies don't operate this way. Watch for these warning signs:

1. They Show Up Unannounced – Legit contractors don't go door-to-door after storms.
2. No Local Address or Reviews – Check if they have a real office nearby or verifiable online reviews.
3. Demand Full Payment Upfront – Never pay the full cost before work starts. A reputable roofing contractor will have a fair payment schedule.
4. Pressure to Sign Immediately – If they say "Sign now or lose this price," walk away.
5. Vague or No Contract – Always get details in writing, including materials, timeline, and warranty.

How Storm Chasers Work the Insurance Angle

Many storm chaser roofing scams involve your insurance company. Here's their common tactic:

• They'll say they can "handle your insurance claim" or even inflate damage to get more money from your insurance policy.
• Some might ask you to sign over your insurance coverage check directly to them (a big mistake).
• Others do such bad work that your insurance adjuster later denies claims for proper repairs.

This can lead to insurance fraud accusations against YOU, even if you didn't know what they were doing.

What to Do Instead (Protect Yourself Step-by-Step)

1. Call Your Insurance First – Before talking to any roofer, report the damage. Your insurance company will send an adjuster.
2. Research Local Companies – Look for reputable roofing companies with physical addresses and years of local work.
3. Get Multiple Estimates – Don't take the first offer. Compare prices and plans.
4. Never Pay Everything Upfront – A small deposit is normal, but never the full cost before work starts.
5. Check Licenses and Insurance – Ask for proof of insurance and verify their license with the state.

Why Cheap Storm Chaser Deals Backfire

That "too good to be true" price usually is. Here’s what often happens with storm chaser roofing scam jobs:

• They use cheap, thin materials that fail in a year.
• They skip permits and ignore building codes, leaving you with fines.
• They disappear when leaks start, and warranties are worthless.
• Your insurance company may refuse future claims if the work isn’t done right.

In the end, you’ll pay twice—once to the scammer, and again to a real roofer to fix their mess.

How to Spot a Real Roofing Professional

A reputable roofing contractor will:

• Have a local office (not just a PO box)
• Provide a detailed contract with warranty info
• Never pressure you to decide on the spot
• Accept credit cards (scammers often want cash)
• Show up when promised (storm chasers often ghost after taking money)

What If You Already Hired a Storm Chaser?

If you think you’re caught in a roofing scam, act fast:

• Stop any further payments (especially if paid payment upfront).
• Take photos of poor work or unfinished jobs.
• Call your insurance company to report suspicious activity.
• Contact a real reputable roofing company to assess the damage.

Need Storm Damage Help You Can Trust?

At Advanced Roofing Inc., we’ve spent years fixing storm chaser messes—and helping homeowners avoid them in the first place. We’re local, licensed, and never use high-pressure sales tactics.

If your roof was damaged by severe weather, call us first. We’ll work with your insurance adjuster, use quality materials, and make sure your roof is done right—no scams, no surprises.

Don’t risk a storm chaser roofing scam. Contact Advanced Roofing Inc. for honest, reliable repairs that last.

Think you’ve been targeted? Advanced Roofing Inc. fixes storm damage the right way—call us before the scammers do.