Texas produces more billion-dollar hail events than any other state. And for every storm that rolls through a Texas city, a predictable second wave follows within 24–48 hours: out-of-state roofing contractors in unmarked vans, going door to door in damaged neighborhoods, offering free inspections and promising to handle everything with your insurance.
Some of these contractors do legitimate work. But a significant number — commonly called "storm chasers" — use illegal practices, deliver substandard work, and disappear before problems surface. This guide explains how to identify them, what Texas law says about their tactics, and how to verify any contractor before signing a single document.
1. What Is a Storm Chaser Contractor?
Storm chasers are roofing contractors — often from other states — who follow severe weather events to capitalize on post-storm demand. They typically:
- Arrive within 24–48 hours of a hail event
- Canvass damaged neighborhoods door-to-door
- Claim to specialize in "insurance claims" or "storm restoration"
- Offer to handle all paperwork with your insurance company
- Create urgency to get a signature on the spot
- Disappear or become unresponsive once paid
Not every out-of-state contractor is a problem — Texas regularly experiences more storm work than local contractors can handle. But the pressure tactics, unlicensed status, and illegal practices that define true storm chasers are specific red flags you can identify.
2. The 7 Red Flags of Storm Chaser Contractors
🚩 They offer to waive your deductible
This is illegal in Texas. Under Texas Insurance Code §707.002, waiving a homeowner's deductible is insurance fraud — for both the contractor and potentially for you. If a contractor says 'we'll cover your deductible' or 'your deductible is no problem,' walk away immediately.
🚩 They can't provide a TDLR license number
Texas law requires roofing contractors to hold an active TDLR license. Ask for the license number. If they hesitate, can't provide one, or give you a number that doesn't verify at license.tdlr.texas.gov — they cannot legally work on your home.
🚩 They pressure you to sign before inspecting yourself
Legitimate contractors give you time to review documents. Storm chasers create artificial urgency: 'We only have two more days in the area,' 'Your neighbor already signed,' 'Prices go up next week.' Any contractor who needs your signature before the sun goes down is using manipulation.
🚩 They ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
An AOB transfers control of your insurance claim to the contractor. Once signed, you lose the ability to negotiate your claim directly with your insurer. Texas law limits the scope of AOBs, but many homeowners don't understand what they're signing. Read every document before signing.
🚩 They have no local address or permanent business
Search the contractor's business name at the Texas Secretary of State (sos.state.tx.us) and the Better Business Bureau. A truck, a phone number, and a business card are not credentials. Legitimate contractors have a verifiable Texas business presence.
🚩 They can't provide references from the local area
Ask for three local references from jobs completed in the past 12 months — in this city, not another state. Storm chasers can't provide local references because they just arrived. Legitimate local contractors can.
🚩 Their quote seems unusually high or uses insurance terminology to inflate scope
Some storm chasers inflate quotes knowing the insurance company will pay. They add line items for 'code upgrades,' 'supplemental materials,' and other charges that push the total up. Get at least two independent estimates from licensed local contractors before accepting any quote.
3. What Texas Law Says: Illegal Contractor Practices
Texas has some of the strongest contractor protection laws in the country. Here's what is explicitly illegal:
Illegal under Texas law:
- Waiving the deductible — Texas Insurance Code §707.002. This is insurance fraud.
- Performing roofing work without a TDLR license — Class A misdemeanor for the contractor
- Soliciting insurance claims work within 72 hours of a disaster — some municipalities have 72-hour post-disaster solicitation bans
- Misrepresenting contractor credentials or insurance coverage — Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations
- Failing to provide a written contract with required disclosures — Texas Business & Commerce Code §53.001 requires specific written contract terms for residential work
To report an unlicensed contractor, contact TDLR at 1-800-803-9202 or file a complaint at tdlr.texas.gov. To report contractor fraud, contact the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-621-0508.
4. How to Verify Any Contractor in 5 Minutes
- TDLR License Lookup: Go to license.tdlr.texas.gov and search by contractor name or license number. Verify the license is active and the name matches the person/company at your door.
- Insurance verification: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Call the insurer directly to verify the policy is active — don't just accept a document at face value.
- Texas business registration: Verify they have an active Texas business entity at sos.state.tx.us. A registered Texas LLC or corporation means there's a legal entity to hold accountable.
- BBB and Google reviews: Search the business name on the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and Google. Look for reviews specifically mentioning post-storm work, completion quality, and responsiveness after payment.
- Local references: Ask for three references from jobs completed in your city within the past 12 months. Call them. Ask: "Did they complete the work on time? Were there any warranty issues? Would you hire them again?"
5. If You Already Signed Something
Texas law protects homeowners with a 3-business-day right of rescission on most residential home improvement contracts signed at your home. This is a federal right under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule as well.
To exercise it:
- Write a clear cancellation notice: "I am cancelling contract [number] dated [date] per my right of rescission."
- Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested — you need proof of delivery and the postmark date matters, not delivery date.
- Keep a copy of everything.
If the 3-day window has passed and you have concerns about the contract or work quality, contact the Texas Attorney General's office at oag.texas.gov/consumer or call 1-800-621-0508.
Need a Vetted, Licensed Contractor?
Texas Property Help only works with TDLR-licensed contractors. Submit your request and we'll connect you with verified professionals in your area — no pressure, no obligation.
Request a Verified Contractor →