Published August 17, 2026
Storm chasing is a business model, not a slur. Crews follow hail across the Midwest, sell hard for six weeks, subcontract the labor, and leave. When the roof leaks in year three, the LLC is dissolved.
The 11 red flags
- They arrived within 72 hours of the storm and you never called them.
- Out-of-state plates, or a Minnesota address that is a mailbox store.
- A "free inspection" that turns into climbing your roof without permission.
- They found damage you cannot see in their own photos.
- They offer to cover your deductible — illegal in Minnesota.
- The "authorization to inspect" is actually a work contract contingent on claim approval.
- Price expires today.
- They want to speak to your adjuster before you have read what you signed.
- No workers compensation certificate available.
- Cash discount pressure or a large upfront deposit.
- No physical yard, office, or crew you can visit in Minnesota.
Three or more and the answer is no.
The authorization-to-inspect trap
The most common post-storm problem in Minnesota: a homeowner signs a one-page inspection authorization containing a clause binding them to that contractor for any approved claim, often with a 10–20% cancellation penalty. If a clause references the claim amount, it is a contract.
What to say at the door
"I do not sign anything at the door. Leave your license number, your COI, and a written proposal, and I will compare it with two others next week."
A legitimate contractor says fine. A chaser leaves.
How to find the real local roofers instead
- Ask for the last three addresses they roofed in your ZIP and drive by.
- Check that reviews span more than 12 months.
- Confirm they pull the permit under their own license.
- Ask who does warranty service and where that person lives.
What a legitimate claim process looks like
| Step | Who does it |
|---|---|
| Document damage with dated photos | You |
| File the claim | You |
| Adjuster inspection | Insurer |
| Contractor meets adjuster after you chose them | You + contractor |
| Scope reconciliation and supplements | Contractor with insurer |
| Work, permit, inspection | Contractor |
| Final payment and depreciation release | Insurer to you |
You choose the contractor before the adjuster meeting — not because someone knocked.
Send us a proposal you were handed and we will mark it up line by line.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for a roofer to waive my deductible in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota law bars contractors from paying, waiving, or rebating an insurance deductible on residential property claims.
Should I let a door-knocking roofer inspect my roof?
Not without vetting them first. Some inspection authorizations contain binding work clauses and cancellation penalties, so read every line before signing.
How soon after hail should I file a claim in Minnesota?
Most policies require prompt notice and many limit claims to one or two years after the date of loss, so document the storm date and file as soon as you suspect damage.