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Storm chaser roofers: how to spot a Texas roofing scam
After an emergency, door to door contractors flock to some neighborhoods. If you are insured, have your adjuster estimate the damage and probable repair cost first, so you have a benchmark. (source: Office of the Texas Attorney General)
- Get more than one estimate and do not be pushed into signing right away.
- Get everything in writing: total cost, work, schedule and payment terms.
- If the sale happens at your home, the contract must include a notice giving you three business days to cancel.
- Do not sign a contract with blanks.
- Ask for proof of insurance, and find out in writing whether the contractor will place a lien on your property.
- Do not sign completion papers or make final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction.
(source: Office of the Texas Attorney General)
Business and Commerce Code Chapter 58 covers disaster remediation contracts. Disaster remediation includes reconstruction or other treatment of property damaged by a natural disaster, such as wind or storm, that leads to a disaster declaration by the governor or a county judge (58.001). The chapter does not apply if the contractor has kept a physical business address in your county, or a county next to it, for at least one year before the contract date (58.002). When it applies, the contract must be in writing, and the contractor may not require any full or partial payment before beginning work, or partial payments larger than an amount reasonably proportionate to the work performed, including materials delivered (58.003). The contract must state this in boldfaced type, and you cannot waive these protections; a waiver is void (58.003, 58.005). (source: Texas Legislature)
Contract language to refuse
Do not sign a contract that says "Homeowner agrees to the listed repairs for the value of insurance proceeds." Scammers may also call a contract an estimate or a release just to get on your roof. (source: Texas Department of Insurance)
Under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, price gouging after the governor declares an emergency is illegal. (source: Office of the Texas Attorney General)
On this site: Do roofers need a license in Texas? · Can a roofer waive or pay my insurance deductible in Texas? · Texas roof insurance claim deadlines · Coastal roofs: TWIA coverage and the WPI-8 · Storm chaser roofers: how to spot a Texas roofing scam · How to hire a roofer in Texas · Hail damaged my roof. What do I do first? · Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Texas? · Texas roofing fees, penalties and numbers · Where to complain about a roofer in Texas · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: Disaster Scams (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Business and Commerce Code Chapter 58: Disaster Remediation Contracts (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): How to avoid contracting scams (checked November 1, 2026)
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