Why Storm-chasing Roofers are so Dangerous
Let me explain why storm-chasing roofers are so dangerous for the consumer, especially the elderly and easily influenced.
Here is how their perspective works.
They pull into a neighborhood after a storm and hit all the houses. They hit people with this line;
“One of your neighbors has damage, so we thought we would check with you…”
or
“We were in the area responding to all the storm damage…”
If you agree to let them look, you are their lawful prey. Just so you know, most roofing companies do NOT do repairs – they only replace. So if they get on your roof and look at it, they have zero motivation for your home to NOT need a roof.
So what do they do?
They come down off the roof and give you the most sorrowful look and say
“Yep, it’s damaged. You should file a claim.”
Of course it is. Car salesmen don’t get paid for test drives, and roofers don’t get paid unless roofs are coming off.
This statement has no weight for them. Here are the two possible outcomes;
1) They do get it covered, and they get a roof replacement out of the deal. Win for them.
or
2) The insurance company says there is not damage in which case they just say “oh your insurance company must be screwing you.” Ultimately, just causes a rift between the consumer and their insurance company, typically for no reason.
They have no outcome that does not have them looking like a star.
But the consumer, they will pay. If the roof is damaged and covered, fine. That is why you have insurance.
But what if the roofing company says there’s damage and none is found? Well, the consumer just filed a claim on their homeowners, and it’s going to get denied.
…but the homeowner is still going to get dinged for the claim they filed for no reason. Zero repercussions against the roofing company.
If you ever have someone knock on your door and say you have damage – politely, but firmly…
…tell them to kick rocks. Pick up the phone, and call a local company to give you an assessment.
We have some sketchy local ones too, but at least they have a local reputation to uphold.
The roofers with the 629 area codes disappear as fast as the storms they chase and leave consumers up a creek without a paddle in many, many cases.
It’s my opinion that every city and county in Central Arkansas should adopt an ordinance on this to protect our consumers.
Require roofing companies to register with the county/city and get a permit to solicit in that jurisdiction.
The permit should have the following requirements:
1) 30-day waiting period to prevent storm chasers.
2) Proof of active general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
3) $2,500 fine/ violation for roofing companies soliciting without a permit.
This would protect consumers AND help our local roofing professionals.
Just my 2 cents…. Pryor Robertson