How Storm Chasers Are Scamming Insurance Companies and Homeowners – And How We’re Doing It Right

When severe storms strike, homeowners are often left with the overwhelming task of dealing with damage and repairs. Roofing and siding work can be costly, and many turn to their insurance companies for help. Unfortunately, not all contractors that show up after a storm have the homeowner’s best interests in mind. Enter the world of storm chasers—a group of unethical, often out-of-town contractors who exploit the situation for their gain. These contractors are scamming both insurance companies and homeowners, leaving damage in their wake.

What Are Storm Chasers?

Storm chasers are typically contractors who travel to areas impacted by severe weather events, offering quick and low-cost repairs. They prey on vulnerable homeowners who are anxious to get their property back in shape. Storm chasers often use aggressive sales tactics, promising "too good to be true" deals, such as "free roof inspections" or even offering to handle all the paperwork with the insurance company. Unfortunately, these contractors usually have ulterior motives: overcharging, inflating damage estimates, cutting corners, or disappearing once the job is done, leaving the homeowner with more problems than they started with.

The Common Storm Chaser Scams

1. Build a Free Roof with a Partial Buy of Roof: Storm chasers frequently advertise "free roof inspections" or claim to offer homeowners a "free roof" with their insurance. The trick is that they inflate repair estimates or push unnecessary work to ensure the homeowner’s insurance covers the full cost. Or they disappear altogether if the insurance doesn't pay for the whole roof. Often, these deals are designed to look enticing, but the costs are hidden in shoddy work or through multiple, inflated claims. Insurance gives enough money to cover a roof properly know what kind of roof they are putting on. Make sure it is the right Free.

2. Exaggerating or Falsifying Damage: Storm chasers often inflate the extent of the damage or fabricate problems that don’t exist. They might suggest urgent repairs when none are needed or claim that damage is more severe than what the insurance company will accept. This results in inflated insurance claims that the homeowner doesn’t need, causing higher premiums or even legal complications down the line.

3. Pressure and High-Pressure Sales: High-pressure sales tactics are another hallmark of storm chasers. They may rush homeowners into making decisions by claiming that the repairs need to be completed immediately, or that this "limited time offer" won’t last long. This sense of urgency can cause homeowners to make hasty decisions that ultimately don’t serve their best interests.

4. Subpar Work and Unlicensed Contractors: To maximize profits, many storm chasers cut corners on repairs. They might use cheap materials or fail to perform proper installations, leaving homeowners with a roof or siding job that’s poorly done or won’t last. Worse still, many of these contractors are unlicensed and uninsured, so homeowners can’t hold them accountable for the poor quality of work or further damages.

5. Duplicate or Fraudulent Claims: In some cases, storm chasers file claims that are not only unnecessary but also fraudulent. They may submit multiple claims for the same damage or even bill for work they never performed. This fraudulent activity increases insurance costs for homeowners and insurance companies alike, raising premiums for everyone in the community.

6. Vanishing After the Job: Perhaps the most devastating scam involves contractors who take a down payment for work, then disappear, leaving homeowners with no repairs and no recourse. These storm chasers often operate under a fake business name or change names after complaints pile up, making it difficult for homeowners to track them down.

The Consequences for Homeowners

• Financial Losses: Homeowners may pay far more than necessary for repairs due to inflated estimates or fraudulent claims. Insurance premiums may rise, or worse, homeowners may be left footing the bill for a shoddy job.

• Long-Term Damage: If a storm chaser performs poor-quality work, the homeowner is left with more damage to deal with in the future, costing even more money down the line.

• Legal Problems: Fraudulent insurance claims can lead to legal consequences. Both the contractor and the homeowner may face repercussions if a false claim is made.

How We’re Doing It Right

At Sierra Exteriors, we understand that dealing with storm damage is stressful enough without having to worry about dishonest contractors. As preferred contractors for top-tier brands like Owens Corning, Malarkey, LP SmartSide, James Hardie, and Alside, we offer homeowners the highest-quality materials and craftsmanship—at a fair price.

In fact, we can often get homeowners a free roof. How? We work with low enough pricing and the best manufacturer deals to ensure that the cost of repairs can often be covered by your insurance, leaving you with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. This means that we’re able to provide premium quality roofing and siding without the hefty price tag, and you can rest easy knowing that your roof and siding will be handled the right way the first time.

Why Choose Sierra Exteriors Over Storm Chasers?

1. Transparency and Honesty: We pride ourselves on providing honest, transparent service. There are no hidden fees, no unnecessary upselling, and no pressure to sign anything you’re not comfortable with. We’ll work with your insurance company to ensure you’re getting the most out of your coverage without inflating costs.

2. Fair Pricing: Our pricing structure is designed to make high-quality, long-lasting repairs affordable. We offer fair, upfront pricing, so you never have to worry about being overcharged or caught in a scam.

3. Expert Inspections and Accurate Damage Estimates: Unlike storm chasers who may exaggerate damage, we provide accurate and thorough inspections to ensure your claim is based on the true extent of the damage. We only recommend repairs that are necessary, saving you time, money, and stress.

4. Preferred Contractor Status: As preferred contractors with leading brands, we offer access to the best warranties and the highest-quality materials in the industry. Our partnership with top manufacturers ensures your roof and siding are built to last and backed by long-term protection.

5. Licensed and Insured: We are fully licensed and insured, so you can trust that our work is backed by the appropriate guarantees. We stand behind every project and ensure that your home is in good hands.

How to Protect Yourself from Storm Chasers

1. Work With Local, Reputable Contractors: Always choose a local contractor with a proven track record and positive reviews. Avoid out-of-town storm chasers who may be gone as quickly as they came.

2. Check the Product Being Used: Never settle for trust us we have a roof that we always use. Or We use this roof for insurance contractor because that is what they pay for. Know what product is going on your roof and all of the different parts going on your roof so you know you are getting a proper roofing system.

3. Verify Credentials: Ensure the contractor you hire is licensed, insured, and has a good standing with local business bureaus. Only work with contractors who are certified partners with trusted manufacturers.

4. Ask About Warranties: A reliable contractor should always offer warranties on both labor and materials. If the contractor cannot provide a warranty, walk away.

Conclusion

Dealing with storm damage is stressful enough without the added burden of being scammed by dishonest contractors. Storm chasers often target vulnerable homeowners, leaving them with shoddy work and inflated claims. At Sierra Exteriors, we take a different approach: transparent pricing, quality materials, and a commitment to getting the job done right the first time. We’re proud to offer homeowners the ability to get a free roof through fair pricing and efficient use of insurance coverage. Choose Sierra Exteriors for honest service and long-lasting protection—you deserve nothing less.