Licensed roofing professionals • Fort Wayne, IN • 15+ years experience
Within 48 hours of any significant hail or wind event in Fort Wayne, out-of-state contractor trucks start appearing in affected neighborhoods. Here is how to tell storm chasers from legitimate local roofers.
What Is a Storm Chaser?
A storm chaser is an out-of-state roofing contractor who follows severe weather events from city to city, soliciting repair work. They have no permanent local presence, arrive within days of a storm, and use high-pressure sales tactics to get contracts signed quickly.
The Real Risks
When the flashing leaks in six months, the contractor who installed it is three states away. Specific risks include inferior materials to maximize profit, subcontracted labor with minimal quality control, warranty claims that are impossible to file, and insurance complications from aggressive claim supplementing.
How to Verify Any Contractor
- Google their business name plus the city. Look for a Google Business Profile with reviews and a verifiable address.
- Check the Indiana Secretary of State website for business registration.
- Call their office number and confirm their address.
- Request certificates of insurance for both general liability and workers comp.
- Ask for Fort Wayne references from the past 12 months and actually call them.
What to Do If a Storm Chaser Knocks on Your Door
Never sign a contract at the door. Do not let them on your roof until you have verified their insurance. Never sign an assignment of benefits. If they claim damage, get a second opinion from a verified local contractor.
Request a free assessment or call (260) 255-4551.