Storm chasers are out-of-town roofing crews that follow hail and wind storms, knock on doors and push homeowners to sign quickly. Warning signs include out-of-state plates, no local address, pressure to sign today, offers to cover your deductible and large payments up front. Check any roofer’s local address and references before signing anything.
Warning signs
- Knocks on your door right after a storm, uninvited
- Out-of-state license plates and no local office
- Pressure to sign today or a claim that the offer expires
- Offers to waive or pay your deductible
- Asks for a large payment before any work
- Asks you to sign a contract that lets them deal with your insurer for you
- Says your whole roof needs replacing after a quick look
The deductible trap
A roofer who offers to “cover” or “waive” your deductible is usually planning to inflate the bill to your insurer. That can be treated as insurance fraud, and it can put you at risk as well as the roofer. We never do it. See can a roofer waive your deductible in Arkansas.
Your right to cancel in Arkansas
Under Arkansas Code 4-88-903, a roofer who signs a contract with you for work to be paid from an insurance claim must give you written notice of your right to cancel. Under 4-88-904, you can cancel within three business days after you receive written notice from your insurer that the claim is denied in whole or in part. The contractor must refund your payments within ten days, except for emergency services like tarping that were already done. This page is general information, not legal advice.
How to check a roofer
- Ask who owns the business and who will actually be on your roof. See who we are.
- Ask for a local address and drive by it.
- Look them up on the Better Business Bureau and search their name with “complaints”.
- Ask for local references from past jobs.
- Get a written price with what will be done, not a blank contract.
After big storms in Pine Bluff
After the 3 April 2025 hail in Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel, and after FEMA’s 2025 disaster declaration for severe storms and tornadoes, crews from other states worked across Arkansas. Some did good work and left. Others left unfinished jobs and no one to call when leaks showed up later. A local roofer is still here when you need a follow-up.
What a good roofer does after a storm
- Inspects and photographs the damage, and shows you
- Tells you honestly whether a claim is worth filing
- Gives a written price for the work
- Does not ask for big payments before materials arrive
- Does not pressure you to sign on the spot
What we do
We are based at 1004 S Tennessee St in Pine Bluff. We tarp to stop damage, inspect with photos, tell you what we see, and give you a written price before work. See storm damage roof repair and about us.
Is door-to-door roofing solicitation illegal in Arkansas?
Not statewide. A 2025 bill to restrict it did not pass. Some cities have their own solicitor rules.
Can I cancel a contract with a storm chaser?
Under 4-88-904, you can cancel within three business days after a written insurance denial. Other contracts may have their own cancellation terms.
Should I sign an assignment of benefits?
Be very careful. Read it fully and consider getting advice before giving a contractor control of your claim.
How do I report a bad roofer in Arkansas?
Contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s consumer protection division. Keep copies of the contract, payments and photos.