A severe storm just hit your area. Your roof took damage. Within hours, someone knocks on your door offering a "free inspection" and a "special storm discount."
Should you trust them?
Probably not. You've just encountered a storm chaser, one of the roofing industry's biggest problems. This guide helps you spot the scams, protect your money, and find legitimate help after storm damage.
What Are Storm Chaser Roofers?
Storm chasers are out-of-state contractors who follow severe weather events. They arrive in damaged areas within days, sometimes hours, of storms. Their goal is quick sales before homeowners can research options.
Not every out-of-state contractor is a scam artist. But the storm chaser business model creates problems:
- No local presence means no accountability after they leave
- They rush jobs to move to the next storm area
- Quality suffers when speed matters more than craftsmanship
- Homeowners have no recourse if problems appear later
Legitimate contractors build businesses on reputation and repeat customers. Storm chasers build businesses on volume and moving fast.
The Storm Chaser Playbook
These contractors use predictable tactics. Knowing their methods helps you spot them.
They Show Up Unannounced
Storm chasers go door-to-door immediately after weather events. They knock without invitation, often before you've even assessed damage yourself.
Red Flag: Any contractor who shows up unannounced at your door, especially right after a storm.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They wait for you to contact them. Reputable companies stay busy through referrals and reputation, not door knocking.
They Create Artificial Urgency
"I'm only in the area today." "This price expires in one hour." "Sign now or the materials will be gone."
These statements pressure you to decide without thinking or researching.
Red Flag: Any contractor who demands immediate decisions or won't let you think it over.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They give you time to review contracts, get other estimates, and make informed decisions. Quality contractors aren't afraid of you doing research.
They Demand Large Upfront Deposits
Storm chasers often ask for 50% or more upfront. Once they have your money, quality and timeline become less important to them.
Red Flag: Requests for more than 25% to 30% deposit before work starts.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They ask for reasonable deposits (10% to 25%) and structure payments around project milestones. Final payment comes after completion and your approval.
They Have No Local Address
"We're based out of our truck." "Our office is in another state, but we work in your area." "You can reach me on my cell."
Without a physical local presence, you have no recourse if they disappear or do poor work.
Red Flag: No verifiable local business address or office.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They maintain a permanent local office. You can visit, see their operation, and verify they're established in your community.
They Claim No NJ License Is Needed
"We're licensed in [other state], which works here too." "For roofing, you don't need a specific license in New Jersey."
This is false. New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Red Flag: Cannot provide or refuses to provide NJ Home Improvement Contractor registration number.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They proudly display their registration number on contracts, websites, and advertising. It's easy to verify.
They're "Insurance Specialists"
"We'll handle everything with your insurance." "We work with insurance companies all the time." "Sign this assignment of benefits form."
While helping with insurance claims is legitimate, storm chasers use this as a hook to get control of your money.
Red Flag: Asking you to sign over rights to your insurance claim or promising they can get more from your insurance than other contractors.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They help document damage and provide accurate estimates but let you maintain control of your claim.
They Offer to Waive Your Deductible
"We'll pay your deductible." "Don't worry about your deductible, we'll work it out." "Free deductible if you sign today."
This sounds great, but it's illegal. It's insurance fraud. The contractor inflates the claim to cover your deductible, which increases everyone's insurance costs.
Red Flag: Any offer to cover, waive, or pay your insurance deductible.
What Legitimate Contractors Do: They explain that deductibles are your responsibility by law. They might offer financing options but never promise to cover deductibles.
How to Verify a Contractor's Legitimacy
Before signing anything, verify the contractor is who they claim to be.
Check the New Jersey DCA Website
Visit the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website. Search the Home Improvement Contractor registry using:
- Business name
- Owner name
- Registration number
Verify:
- Registration is current (not expired or suspended)
- Business address matches what they told you
- No outstanding violations or complaints
The registry shows disciplinary actions, which warn you about problem contractors.
Verify Insurance
Ask for:
- Certificate of liability insurance (minimum $500,000)
- Workers compensation insurance
Call the insurance company directly. Certificates can be forged. A quick phone call confirms coverage is active.
Check Business References
Legitimate contractors provide:
- Recent customer references
- Better Business Bureau rating
- Online reviews from multiple sources
- Examples of completed work in your area
Storm chasers can't provide long-term local references. They haven't been in the area long enough.
Look for Permanent Presence
Visit their business address. Does it exist? Is it an actual office or just a mailbox?
Check their website. Does it list local projects? Are staff members from the area?
Search the business name online. How long have they been in business? Do they have a history in South Jersey?
What Happens If You Hire a Storm Chaser?
Homeowners who hire storm chasers often experience:
Poor Quality Work
When speed matters more than quality, corners get cut:
- Improper installation voids manufacturer warranties
- Skipped underlayment or ventilation
- Reused or substandard materials
- Code violations that fail inspection
Disappearing Contractors
Storm chasers move on to the next weather event. When problems appear:
- Phone numbers disconnect
- Email bounces
- Business address doesn't exist
- No way to get warranty service
Failed Inspections
Many storm chasers skip permits to save time and money. This creates problems:
- Work doesn't meet code
- Insurance may not cover unpermitted work
- You can't sell your home without permitted work
- You pay twice: once to the scammer, again to fix it properly
Voided Insurance Claims
If fraud is discovered (like waived deductibles), insurance companies can:
- Deny your claim entirely
- Drop your coverage
- Report fraud to authorities
- Sue for reimbursement
The Contrast: Working With Established Local Contractors
Local contractors operate differently because their reputation depends on satisfied customers.
They're Invested in the Community
Bibbo Builders has been in South Jersey for over 45 years. We:
- Live in the communities we serve
- Support local schools and organizations
- Depend on referrals from satisfied customers
- Can't disappear because we're established here
They Follow Proper Procedures
Established contractors:
- Pull required permits
- Follow manufacturer specifications
- Meet all building codes
- Provide detailed written contracts
- Maintain proper insurance
They're Available for Future Service
Your roof will need maintenance, repairs, or eventually replacement. Local contractors:
- Honor warranties years later
- Provide ongoing service
- Answer questions long after the job
- Build relationships, not transactions
They Value Their Reputation
When you can Google a contractor and find 45 years of history, hundreds of reviews, and a physical location, you know they care about quality. One bad job can damage years of reputation building.
Visit our reviews page to see what South Jersey homeowners say about working with us. Check out our residential roofing gallery to see the quality we deliver. We're not going anywhere because this is our home too.
What to Do After Storm Damage
If your roof is damaged, follow these steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Document Everything
Before anyone knocks on your door:
- Take photos and videos of damage
- Note date and time of the storm
- Make temporary repairs if safe (tarps, etc.)
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage immediately. Let them know you'll be getting contractor estimates.
Step 3: Research Contractors
Find established local companies:
- Verify NJ registration
- Check online reviews
- Ask neighbors for recommendations
- Visit their physical location
Take your time. Good contractors will still be available in a week or two.
Step 4: Get Multiple Written Estimates
Don't settle for verbal quotes. Get detailed written estimates from at least three contractors. Compare:
- Scope of work
- Materials specified
- Timeline
- Payment terms
- Warranty details
Step 5: Check References
Call past customers. Ask about:
- Quality of work
- Communication during project
- Clean-up and professionalism
- How problems were handled
- Would they hire this contractor again?
Step 6: Read Contracts Carefully
Before signing anything:
- Ensure all verbal promises are written in the contract
- Verify the start and completion dates
- Confirm payment schedule
- Review warranty terms
- Check for cancellation rights
Never sign a contract the same day it's presented. Take time to read and understand everything.
Red Flags Checklist
Run through this checklist before hiring any contractor after storm damage:
- ❌ Showed up unannounced at your door
- ❌ Pressures immediate decision
- ❌ Requests more than 30% deposit
- ❌ No verifiable local address
- ❌ Can't provide NJ registration number
- ❌ Offers to waive insurance deductible
- ❌ Won't provide proof of insurance
- ❌ No local references or reviews
- ❌ Price seems too good to be true
- ❌ Contract has blank spaces or missing details
- ❌ Resists putting promises in writing
Even one red flag should make you pause. Multiple red flags mean walk away.
Your Rights Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey provides consumer protections:
Three-Day Right to Cancel
For contracts signed at your home (not the contractor's office), you have three business days to cancel without penalty.
Written Contracts Required
All home improvement contracts must be in writing and include:
- Contractor's name, address, and registration number
- Detailed description of work
- Materials to be used
- Total price
- Payment schedule
- Start and completion dates
Prompt Payment Rules
The contractor cannot demand full payment until work is complete and you've had a chance to inspect it.
The Bottom Line
After storm damage, you're vulnerable. You need repairs, insurance is involved, and you feel pressure to act quickly. Storm chasers exploit this vulnerability.
Protect yourself by:
- Never hiring someone who knocks on your door uninvited
- Verifying NJ registration and insurance
- Checking references and reviews
- Getting everything in writing
- Taking time to make informed decisions
Remember, legitimate contractors don't need high-pressure tactics. Their work and reputation speak for themselves.
If you need roof repairs or replacement after storm damage, choose a contractor who will still be here next year when you need them. Bibbo Builders has served South Jersey homeowners since the 1970s. We're not going anywhere.
We serve Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Gloucester Township, and the entire South Jersey region.
Contact us for a free, no-pressure inspection. We'll give you an honest assessment, a detailed written estimate, and time to make the right decision for your home. Learn more about our residential roofing services and see why South Jersey homeowners have trusted us for over four decades.