BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT CONTRACTORS!
When a major storm event occurs, particularly with large hail, “storm chaser” contractors from out of state will quickly converge on a local area. Using sophisticated weather software, they can pinpoint the hardest hit areas and concentrate their focus on those homeowners. Typically going door to door, these aggressive companies look and sound professional, while promising to “handle your insurance claim”. In reality, they usually attempt to get you to sign a contract, giving them the rights to install your roof if your claim is approved. These storm chasers are not roofing contractors, they are sophisticated sales and marketing organizations. Once they have you under contract, they often use unqualified crews and cheap roofing materials to maximize their profits. If you encounter problems with your replaced roof, the probability of finding and getting remedy from these storm chasers is low, at best. 

These are some “red flags” that you should be aware of in dealing with a roofing contractor on a storm damage claim:

• A salesperson contacts you by going “door to door” to offer you a free roof inspection
• The contractor does not have a legitimate physical address in your area
• They ask you to sign a binding contract and/or request an upfront payment. These are often fraudulent operators who take the money and run. 
• They offer to “pay your deductible”. It is considered insurance fraud to let a contractor pay your deductible and you will be responsible if caught.
• They use high pressure tactics and demand and answer immediately or play discount games with the pricing. 

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM STORM DAMAGE FRAUD
If you have experienced storm damage to your home or business, you can protect yourself from storm damage fraud by selecting a quality, professional local contractor. Here are a few things you should consider or ensure your contractor of choice can provide:

• Proof of insurance, a physical address, and an appropriate roofing license, if required by your state
• Check their Better Business Bureau rating, look at online reviews, and examine their website to look for “red flags”
• Look for an established roofing contractor that will stand behind their work in the future
• Beware of contractors that do “roofing, windows, siding, gutters, painting, cleaning, etc”. You want dedicated professionals to install your roof!

YOUR LOCAL ROOFING EXPERTS
For residents of Johnson, Shelby, and Marion Counties, Cornett Roofing is ready and prepared to respond quickly to a severe weather event. Serving Indianapolis, Greenwood, Shelbyville, and Franklin, along with their surrounding areas since 1991, Cornett can: