Roofing Scams to Avoid
How to spot roofing scams, protect yourself from dishonest contractors, and report fraud.
Every year, homeowners lose thousands of dollars to roofing scams. From bait-and-switch pricing to fake damage claims, dishonest contractors use a range of tactics to exploit homeowners — especially after storms.
This guide covers the most common roofing scams, how to spot them, and what to do if you've been targeted. We also link to state-specific scam alerts and reporting resources.
Common Roofing Scams
Bait-and-Switch Pricing
A contractor offers a low quote to win the job, then inflates costs once work begins — claiming hidden damage, material upgrades, or code requirements that weren't in the original estimate.
Fake Damage Claims
During a 'free inspection,' the contractor creates or exaggerates damage to justify an insurance claim. This includes bending shingles, poking holes, or photographing pre-existing wear as storm damage.
Storm Chaser Solicitation
Out-of-state contractors canvass neighborhoods after storms, offering to 'handle everything' with your insurance company. They often disappear after collecting payment, leaving shoddy work behind.
Insurance Fraud
The contractor files inflated or fabricated claims on your behalf, pocketing the difference. This puts the homeowner at legal risk as a co-conspirator in insurance fraud.
Deductible Waiver Scam
A roofer offers to 'waive' or 'cover' your insurance deductible. This is illegal in most states — it's a form of insurance fraud that inflates the claim to cover the deductible amount.
Unlicensed Work
An unlicensed contractor performs roofing work without proper credentials. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse — no licensing board to file a complaint with, and your homeowner's insurance may deny the claim.
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Protect Yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common scams include bait-and-switch pricing, fake damage claims, storm chaser solicitation, insurance fraud, deductible waivers, and unlicensed work.
Verify their state contractor license, check for general liability and workers' comp insurance, read reviews from multiple sources, and never pay more than 10% upfront.
Document everything, file a complaint with your state's contractor licensing board, report insurance fraud to your state's Department of Insurance, and consider contacting the NICB at 800-835-6422.
This tool provides publicly available licensing information. Absence from a database may not indicate non-compliance. Always verify directly with your state's regulatory agency.