Storm Chaser Warning: How to Protect Yourself After DFW Hail Storms
Brandon Fletcher
S&B Roofing & Exteriors
The Knock on Your Door You Should Ignore
Within hours of a major hailstorm in DFW, they appear: door-to-door salespeople from out-of-state roofing companies. They're well-dressed, well-spoken, and they have one goal — getting you to sign a contract.
How Storm Chasers Operate
**They track storms.** These companies monitor weather patterns and mobilize crews to affected areas.
**They canvas aggressively.** Dozens of door-knockers flood neighborhoods, sometimes within hours of a storm.
**They create urgency.** "Your neighbor just signed up," "Insurance rates are going up," "This offer is only good today."
**They get the contract signed.** Once you sign, they often have a "contingency agreement" that gives them control of your insurance claim.
**They do the work quickly.** Speed over quality — they need to move on to the next storm.
**They leave town.** When warranty issues arise, they're gone.
Red Flags to Watch For
Door-to-door solicitation — after a storm
Out-of-state license plates — on their vehicles
No local office — they can't give you a permanent local address
Pressure to sign immediately — "This price is only good today"
Offer to waive your deductible — This is illegal in Texas (insurance fraud)
Request for large upfront payment — They want money before materials are ordered
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) — They want to take over your insurance claim
Generic company name — Vague names that are hard to search or review online
The Risks
Poor workmanship. Storm chasers use the cheapest subcontractors available. Quality control is minimal.
No warranty coverage. A warranty from a company that won't exist in your area next year is worthless.
Insurance complications. If they take over your claim and the work isn't done properly, you may be left with an incomplete claim and a bad roof.
Legal liability. If a worker is injured on your property and the company doesn't have proper insurance, you could be liable.
Overpaying. Despite their "deals," storm chasers often charge more than local contractors because they have travel expenses and aggressive sales commissions built into their prices.
**Verify everything** — License, insurance, local address, reviews, BBB rating
**Get multiple estimates** — At least three from different local contractors
**Don't sign AOB agreements** — Keep control of your insurance claim
**Never pay more than 30% upfront**
**Check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation** for complaints
**Ask for local references** — Not just their website reviews
Why Local Contractors Are Better
We're here before, during, and after the storm
Our reputation in the community matters to us
We handle warranty claims promptly
We know local building codes and HOA requirements
We have relationships with local suppliers
You can drive to our office if there's a problem
Been approached by a storm chaser? Call us for a free second opinion. We'll give you an honest assessment and a fair price from a company that will be here tomorrow.
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Contact S&B Roofing for a free inspection and estimate.
