When your roof gets hit by hail, wind, or heavy rain, scammers show up fast. At Stay Dry Roofing we see it every season: well-meaning homeowners get pressured into bad deals, pay too much, or end up with a roof that fails months later. This guide walks you through the Top 5 Roofing Scams Indianapolis Homeowners Should Know and Avoid, explains how the scams work, and gives practical steps to protect your home and your wallet.
Why Indianapolis homeowners are targeted after storms
After a strong storm, roofs are vulnerable and homeowners are stressed. That perfect storm creates opportunity for fast-moving contractors, some legitimate, some not to land jobs. Scammers often show up quickly, promising immediate fixes, “free” inspections, and guaranteed insurance wins. That urgency is precisely how many scams work: push a homeowner to sign quickly before they can verify credentials. Knowing the red flags ahead of time is the single best defense.
The Top 5 Roofing Scams. What they look like and how to avoid them
1) The “Storm Chaser” / Out-of-Town Crew
What it is: Contractors who drive into town right after a big storm offering to inspect and replace roofs. They often promise to handle insurance paperwork and say they’ll get things done fast. Some are reputable; some are temporary crews that disappear after the money is in hand. Indiana and national consumer-protection groups warn homeowners about these roaming contractors and encourage extra caution.
How they scam: They’ll pressure you with phrases like “this is covered by insurance” or “we’ll start tomorrow if you sign,” ask for large deposits (sometimes cash), and then either do sloppy work, take off before fixing problems, or vanish entirely.
How to avoid it:
- Ask whether the crew is local and request a local office address and local references.
- Check state contractor licensing and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Don’t sign anything under pressure. Ask for time to get multiple written estimates.
- Never pay the full price upfront. Hold the final payment until work is completed and inspected. (That’s also our policy.)
2) The “Free Inspection” That Becomes a High-Cost Repair
What it is: Someone knocks on your door offering a “free inspection” and photos showing “serious” damage. They may remove or loosen a few shingles to make damage look worse or use photos from other houses to support their claim. Then they push for immediate repair work or demand that you sign over insurance claim authority. News outlets and local investigators have documented this exact tactic.
How they scam: After the “inspection,” you get pressured to sign a contract or an assignment-of-benefits (AOB) form that hands them control over your insurance claim. Once they control the claim, homeowners can lose control over repair decisions or be on the hook for additional costs.
How to avoid it:
- Only allow reputable, local roofers up on the roof. Ask for identification and a company card.
- Ask for before-and-after photos taken by neutral parties (you or your insurer).
- Refuse to sign an AOB unless you fully understand it and are comfortable with the contractor get legal or insurance advice if unsure.
- Get at least three written estimates and contact references. If something feels off, pause and verify.
3) The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Low Bid
What it is: A contractor offers a shockingly low price to win the job. It’s tempting who doesn’t want to save money? But low bids often come with shortcuts: cheap materials, missing permits, unlicensed labor, or an incomplete job that leads to leaks and more damage later.
How they scam: They may start with a low estimate, then add “change orders” mid-job for unseen issues, or they’ll install cheaper shingles and leave you with a hidden, lower-quality roof. Some will vanish after taking your deposit.
How to avoid it:
- Compare line-item estimates (materials, labor, cleanup, permits). A vague quote is a red flag.
- Verify manufacturer certifications if the contractor promises a specific brand warranty.
- Ask what’s included: underlayment, ice/water shield, ventilation, flashing, and cleanup.
- Confirm liability and workers’ compensation insurance and ask for certificates. We always share ours before walking a roof.
4) Insurance Fraud & Signing Away Your Rights
What it is: This scam centers on insurance claims. Some contractors encourage homeowners to exaggerate damage, sign forms that allow the contractor to file claims for them, or push repairs that aren’t necessary resulting in fraudulent claims, denials, or future issues with your coverage.
How they scam: A contractor might say “we’ll handle the insurance” and then file a claim that inflates costs or lists pre-existing wear as storm damage. If the insurer denies or rescinds coverage, the homeowner can be left with bills and a compromised roof. In other cases, a contractor will instruct homeowners to sign away appeal rights or other claim controls. Online reports and investigative articles show this is a real and serious problem.
How to avoid it:
- Be present when the contractor inspects your roof and file the claim yourself if possible.
- Do not sign anything that transfers your insurance rights without reading it carefully. If you’re unsure, ask your insurance agent or a lawyer.
- Work with contractors who are transparent with their paperwork and willing to communicate with your insurance company alongside you.
5) The “Disappearing Final-Payment” / Shoddy Work
What it is: The contractor completes “enough” work to look finished, collects the final payment, and then either never returns to finish punch-list items or uses subcontractors who leave loose ends. Sometimes the roof leaks early and the original contractor won’t respond to calls.
How they scam: By demanding final payment too early or insisting on cash, they reduce traceability. They may also offer minimal or no warranty in writing.
How to avoid it:
- Always hold back a final payment until you’ve done a thorough walk-through and confirm work meets the signed contract.
- Insist on written warranties, including manufacturer and labor warranties. Verify the company will honor them locally.
- Pay by traceable methods (credit card, check) and avoid large cash sums.
- Keep copies of all contracts, photos, and receipts.
Practical steps every Indianapolis homeowner should take
We want you to be protected. Here’s a simple checklist we give every homeowner who calls us:
- Get at least three written estimates: ask for line-item breakdowns.
- Verify licensing and insurance: ask for proof and call the issuing agencies if needed. We’ll provide our certificate when asked.
- Ask for local references: and check recent online reviews. Call the references and ask about cleanup, timelines, and follow-up.
- Don’t sign under pressure: take time to read contracts and ask questions. A reputable roofer will give you time.
- Keep the last payment until the job is done: hold final payment until you’ve inspected the finished work. This is a powerful protection.
- Communicate with your insurer: don’t hand over claim control unless you understand what you’re signing. If in doubt, call your insurance rep.
What to do if you suspect a roofing scam in Indiana
If you believe you were targeted or scammed, act fast:
- Contact your insurance company and explain the situation.
- Save all documents, contracts, photos, text messages, and receipts.
- Report the contractor to the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and to the BBB; Indiana provides consumer resources for reporting “storm chasers” and contractor scams. The Attorney General’s office also publishes guidance on protecting yourself after storms.
- File a police report if you believe fraud occurred.
- Consult your insurance agent or an attorney if the contractor has filed claims that you did not authorize.
Local news investigations and consumer watchdogs have shown that fast reporting increases the chances of recovery and helps authorities track repeat offenders.
Why Stay Dry Roofing does things differently
We know your roof is more than shingles, it’s protection for your family and your belongings. That’s why we operate with transparency and local accountability:
- Local presence: we’re Indianapolis-based and available for follow-up service.
- Licenses & insurance: we maintain current credentials and provide certificates upon request.
- Transparent pricing: our estimates list materials, labor, and cleanup separately so there are no surprises.
- No pressure: we’ll explain options, timelines, and warranty details and never force you to sign on the spot.
- We work with your insurer: but you stay in control of your claim. We coordinate with adjusters but never file claims that aren’t accurate. (This is important: legitimate contractors help, they don’t take over your claim.)
If you suspect your home has storm damage or you’ve been contacted by a suspicious crew, call us for a second opinion. We’ll do a free, honest inspection and give you a clear plan.
Real examples of what we’ve seen
We’ve repaired roofs after homeowners accepted door-to-door offers that looked good at first glance. Examples include:
- Homeowners paid large deposits in cash and never got a warranty. The crews left, and the roof leaked within months.
- A property signed an AOB and later found out the contractor had billed for repairs that were cosmetic at best. Insurance pulled back, leaving the homeowner to cover the remainder.
- A “too-low” bid replaced missing flashes and left gaps in valleys because the contractor skimped on underlayment to save cost.
These are not hypothetical they’re real stories we see frequently enough to have created this guide.
Be cautious, be curious, and protect your investment
Roofing scams prey on speed and confusion. By taking a breath, doing a little homework, and leaning on local, reputable contractors like Stay Dry Roofing, you can avoid costly mistakes. If you want one simple action right now: don’t sign anything after a single knock at the door. Wait, verify, and get a second opinion.
If you’d like a free, no-pressure inspection from a licensed Indianapolis roofer, we’re here to help. We’ll walk your roof with you, explain what we see, and provide an honest estimate. Your home deserves real protection not a pushy sales pitch.