How to Spot and Avoid Roofing Contractor Scams
Brought to you by our friends at Arbella Insurance.
Picture this: You’re relaxing at home when someone calls you or knocks on your door. They claim they’re from a roofing company working in your area, and they offer to inspect your roof and fix any damage they find for free.
Sounds almost too good to be true, right? That’s because it probably is. Roofing contractor scams are becoming increasingly common across the country, especially in places where a storm has just hit.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
As stated before, if something seems too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. Be wary of any of the following:
- Unsolicited offers: You didn’t call a contractor, but they’re calling you or showing up at your door.
- Aggressive sales techniques: They’re persistent and won’t take no for an answer.
- Involving your insurance: They promise you’ll pay nothing because they’ll submit a claim to your insurance company without your involvement.
- Vandalism: Dishonest contractors could cause intentional damage to a customer’s roof.
So, How Do You Find a Reputable Roofing Contractor?
If you think your roof could be damaged, it’s best to hire your own contractor. But how do you know if someone is legitimate?
- Check their license and insurance: Visit your state’s licensing agency to make sure the company you choose is insured and licensed to work in your area. Additionally, you can call the company’s insurance carrier to certify that they’re covered for property damage, personal liability, and workers’ compensation.
- Research local companies: Find an established contractor in your community. If you run into any issues five or ten years down the line, you’ll want someone nearby.
- Ask your friends: Reach out to people you know and trust to see if they have any recommendations.
- Examine past projects: View photos and videos of a company’s completed work on their website or social media channels to evaluate their level of expertise.
You can also inspect your property yourself for signs of roof damage. Leaks or stained ceilings and fallen shingles are usually indicators that something isn’t right. Reach out to your local, independent agent for more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from roofing contractor scams.
Topics
