Due to recent hail storms, “storm-chasing” contractors are showing up in affected areas. The Star Tribune recently published an article with heads-up information about what to watch for when hiring a company to repair hail damage.
The top 12 clues to watch for are:
1. “We’re working with your neighbor!”
Storm-chasers win by being first.
2. They show up faster than humanly possible.
Storm-chasers insist that you need to get your roof fixed quickly.
3. They convey a sense of urgency.
Storm-chasers insist that you need to get your roof fixed quickly.
4. They’ll offer to nail down some tarps.
They’re not doing you any favors.
5. They want to put a sign in your yard before you’ve signed anything.
They’ll beg and plead to put a sign in your yard.
6. They’ll cover your deductible.
This is illegal, but it happens. Your contractor can’t reimburse you for your insurance deductible.
7. They want you to sign something on the first visit.
They’ll tell you it’s simply a permission slip to inspect your roof, but it’s not.
8. They want you to call your insurance company, now.
Again, this is about creating a sense of urgency and locking you in.
9. Bashing the competition.
Good local contractors know who their competition is, and they view them as colleagues, not enemies.
10. They won’t give you proof of the damage.
Good contractors will take pictures of storm damage and show it to you.
11. They’ll promise the world.
They’ll tell you they can get your insurance company to pay for new gutters, windows, siding, and all of that other stuff.
12. Their vehicle isn’t local.
Storm chasers won’t drive vehicles lettered up with local contractor information.
Reuben Saltzman. “Top 12 clues a storm-chaser is at your door” Star Tribune, https://www.startribune.com/top-12-clues-a-storm-chaser-is-at-your-door/572214302/. August 25, 2020.
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