05/02/2025
We've had SEVERAL people in our office already this week saying companies from KC have been asking to inspect their roofs. Say no!
BEWARE: Out-of-Town, Ambulance-Chasing Roofers are out in full force.
DO NOT get conned & DO NOT sign anything when approached unsolicited.
If you suspect weather-related roof damage, contact your roofing company first - don’t let some rando door knocker on your roof! If you do not have a relationship with a local roofer, it’s a great time to get one! Consider a local, reputable, licensed company and ask for a free roof assessment. Or call your insurance agent for guidance - that’s what we are here for!
Local roof companies are your best option for many reasons. They have relationships with local adjustors and better understand the complexities of Kansas storms and claim-related damages. Out-of-town companies send salespeople who often lack that knowledge and whose only intention is you signing an exclusivity contract right now. Local companies focus more on relationships & trust & referral-based marketing. Out-of-town companies are the opposite and will often do or say anything to get that signature. What is worse is once their local work runs dry or they get run out of town, they are not around to back up their work.
Shady tactics to look out for:
1. Indicate they are conducting hail inspections or performing a Storm Community Service Project or doing other official sounding “Reporting;”
2. Claim to know your agent / work with your insurance company all the time;
3. Mention neighbors already signed or are suggesting all neighbors are getting new roofs;
4. Want you to sign a document or waiver of any kind;
5. Present drone camera footage as evidence of storm damage;
6. Have a company whose name references trustworthy groups or values: America, Veterans, or Military;
7. Appear to have a local presence or list a local address, but their website has offices in other parts of the state or country, or their main office seems missing from the site. (Some companies will go as far as to lease a local office space or get a local phone number on a short-term basis to allude to being locally established).
8. Imply immediate action is needed. Did you know the state of Kansas protects you and you have 2 years after storm-related damage to claim & receive replacement cost benefits? Plus, up to 5 years for actual cash value claims? Do not let anyone pressure you to signing anything.
What if you accidentally signed a contract? Time is of the essence - the state of Kansas protects you for 72 hours and you can cancel it - but usually you must fax them a document or follow a specific process. It should be detailed on your contract. Next - call your insurance company and let them know as the roofer can use that form you signed to file claim or act on your behalf.