Colorado ranks in the top five states for hail insurance claims. After every major storm, out-of-state crews flood Denver neighborhoods within 48 hours. Here is how to tell the difference before you sign anything.
Call (720) 702-1572 to Work With a Local ContractorA hail storm hits Denver. Within 48 to 72 hours, pickup trucks with out-of-state plates appear in your neighborhood. Someone knocks on your door. They claim to be "working in the area" and offer a free roof inspection. They point at your roof and say they see damage. They ask you to sign something before you have had time to research anything.
This is a storm chaser. They follow severe weather events across the country using NOAA alerts and hail swath maps. When a major hail event hits the Front Range, Denver becomes one of the most profitable markets in the country for these operations. Colorado consistently ranks in the top five states for hail insurance claims. Denver sits in the Front Range hail corridor with 7 to 9 hail days per year and 3 to 4 catastrophic events. After a major storm, thousands of roofs need replacement simultaneously. Storm chasers deploy to capture as many of those contracts as possible before moving to the next city.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that storm-chasing fraud accounts for over $1 billion in annual losses nationwide. The Better Business Bureau of Denver-Boulder reports that roofing contractor selection generates the highest number of consumer inquiries of any category. In January 2025, Schwalb Builders was indicted on 34 counts including racketeering and conspiracy, accused of stealing $1,145,271 from Colorado customers while leaving homes damaged. In May 2024, Denver District Attorney investigators arrested two foreign nationals at JFK Airport as they attempted to flee the country after targeting elderly residents in Denver's Congress Park neighborhood.
Not every door-to-door roofer is a scammer. But the pattern repeats every storm season. Here are 8 red flags that identify storm chasers and 8 signs of a legitimate local Denver contractor.
Work With a Licensed Local Denver Contractor
Mighty Dog Roofing of Downtown Denver carries a Specialty Class D Roof Covering/Waterproofing license. We pull permits for every project, employ a certified supervisor, and serve Denver year-round. We do not knock on your door uninvited.
Call (720) 702-15728 Red Flags That Identify a Storm Chaser in Denver
1. They Knock on Your Door Within Days of a Storm
Legitimate local contractors are busy with existing clients after a major storm. Storm chasers deploy canvassing crews within 48 to 72 hours of a hail event. They work neighborhood by neighborhood, knocking on every door. The Colorado Roofing Association identifies unsolicited post-storm solicitation as the primary warning signal for storm chaser activity.
2. They Offer to Waive or Cover Your Insurance Deductible
This is illegal in Colorado. C.R.S. 6-22-105, enacted through SB 12-038 and effective since June 6, 2012, prohibits roofing contractors from absorbing, waiving, or rebating any portion of an insurance deductible as an inducement to enter a contract. Any contractor who offers to "cover" or "take care of" your deductible is breaking Colorado law. This is not a gray area. It is a criminal violation. The Colorado Division of Insurance enforces this statute.
3. They Pressure You to Sign a Contract the Same Day
Storm chasers operate on speed. They need your signature before you research them, get competing bids, or talk to a trusted neighbor. A legitimate contractor gives you time to decide, provides multiple options, and answers questions without pressure. If someone insists you sign today or lose the opportunity, they are working from a volume playbook, not your best interest.
4. They Have Out-of-State License Plates
Check the plates on their truck. Storm chasers drive from state to state following weather events. Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida plates are common in Denver after hail season. An out-of-state plate does not prove fraud, but it confirms the crew is not based in Denver. A company that arrived from another state last week will not be here next year when your warranty issue surfaces.
C.R.S. 6-22-105 prohibits any roofing contractor from absorbing, waiving, or rebating any portion of your insurance deductible. This includes offering discounts, credits, gift cards, or any form of value intended to offset your out-of-pocket deductible cost. If a contractor offers this, they are violating Colorado law and signaling they are willing to commit fraud on your behalf.
5. They Ask You to Sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Form
An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. Once you sign, you lose control over negotiations with your insurer. The contractor decides what work is done, at what price, and keeps the difference. Colorado law C.R.S. 6-22-101 through 6-22-105 governs roofing contracts tied to insurance claims. A legitimate local contractor does not require you to sign away your rights.
6. They Have No Denver Contractor License
Denver requires a Specialty Class D license issued by Community Planning and Development before a contractor pulls a permit or installs a single shingle. Colorado has no statewide roofing license. A company registered with the Colorado Secretary of State is not the same as a company licensed in Denver. Ask for the Denver license number. Verify it with the city. If they do not have one, they are not authorized to pull permits or perform licensed roofing work in Denver.
7. They Have No Local Office, Address, or References
Storm chasers operate from trucks, hotel rooms, and P.O. boxes. They have no brick-and-mortar office in Denver. They have no verifiable local references because they have never worked in Denver before this storm. Ask for a physical address. Ask for three recent Denver project references with addresses you drive by. If they do not have them, they are not local. Since 2013, the Colorado Roofing Association has required all contractor members to have a local Colorado address.
8. They Ask for Full Payment Upfront
A legitimate contractor bills in stages. A small deposit (10 to 25 percent) at contract signing is normal. The balance is due at completion or in agreed-upon installments. Any contractor who demands full payment before starting work creates a theft risk. Cash-only or personal check demands are additional red flags because they avoid paper trails and make disputes difficult to resolve.
Had a Storm Chaser Knock on Your Door?
Do not sign anything. Call Mighty Dog Roofing instead. We provide free storm damage inspections with detailed photo documentation. We are licensed in Denver, pull permits, and serve your neighborhood year-round.
Call (720) 702-15728 Signs of a Legitimate Local Denver Roofing Contractor
1. They Hold a Denver Specialty Class D License
A licensed contractor has passed Denver's experience verification process. They employ a certified supervisor with documented field experience across 24 projects in 24 different months. They are authorized to pull permits and are accountable to Denver's Community Planning and Development department. Warnings, suspensions, and license revocations are levied against licensed contractors who perform substandard work.
2. They Pull Permits for Every Project
A permit triggers a city inspection after the roof is installed. The inspector verifies the work meets Denver's adopted building codes. Without a permit, there is no inspection, no code verification, and no contractor accountability. A legitimate contractor includes the permit cost in their estimate and handles the entire process.
3. They Have a Physical Office in the Denver Metro Area
A local contractor has a permanent presence. An office you visit. A phone number that works year-round. A team that lives in the community and depends on its reputation for future business. When a warranty issue surfaces two years from now, a local contractor is still here to address it.
4. They Provide Verifiable Local References
Ask for addresses of recent projects in your Denver neighborhood or nearby neighborhoods. Drive by. Look at the work from the curb. A legitimate contractor has a track record in your area. They are proud of their work and want you to see it. Storm chasers have no Denver portfolio because they have never worked here before this storm.
5. They Give You Time to Decide Without Pressure
A legitimate contractor provides a written estimate, explains your options, answers your questions, and lets you compare bids. They do not pressure you to sign the same day. They do not create artificial urgency. They know their reputation and workmanship will earn your business without high-pressure tactics.
6. They Carry Proper Insurance and Provide Certificates
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage of at least $500,000 and workers' compensation with roofing classifications. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active. A legitimate contractor provides this without hesitation. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety recommends verifying insurance independently before any roofing work begins.
7. They Never Offer to Waive Your Deductible
A legitimate contractor knows that deductible waiving is illegal in Colorado and will never offer it. They explain your financial responsibility clearly. They provide accurate estimates. They work within the scope of what your insurance covers. If a contractor does not mention deductible waiving, that is a good sign. They know the law and follow it.
8. They Hold Manufacturer Certifications
GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, Owens Corning Preferred, and other manufacturer certifications indicate the contractor has completed product-specific training. These certifications give you access to enhanced warranty programs that go beyond basic material coverage. Storm chasers do not invest in manufacturer certification because they do not plan to honor warranties. The Energy Star program also certifies roofing products for energy efficiency, and trained contractors know which products qualify.
Call Denver's Community Planning and Development department and confirm the contractor holds an active Specialty Class D license. Verify whether the license covers residential only (Roofing-Shingles) or residential and commercial (Roof Covering/Waterproofing). Confirm a Supervisor certificate is on file. Check the Colorado Roofing Association directory for member contractors who meet minimum insurance, experience, and ethics requirements.
Storm Chaser vs. Legitimate Local Contractor: Side-by-Side
| Factor | Storm Chaser | Legitimate Local Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Class D License | No | Yes |
| Pulls Denver Permits | No | Yes, every project |
| Local Office | No (truck, hotel, P.O. box) | Yes, permanent metro address |
| Denver References | None | Yes, verifiable addresses |
| How They Find You | Knocks on door after storm | Referrals, reputation, advertising |
| Contract Timing | Pressure to sign same day | Gives time to compare bids |
| Deductible Offer | Offers to waive (illegal in CO) | Never offers (follows the law) |
| Payment Terms | Full payment upfront | Deposit + balance at completion |
| Warranty Backing | Gone before warranty is needed | Local, accountable, long-term |
| Manufacturer Certs | None | GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning |
| Insurance Verification | Avoids providing certificates | Provides on request, verifiable |
| Assignment of Benefits | Requires AOB signature | Never requires AOB |
What to Do When Someone Knocks on Your Door After a Denver Hail Storm
Do Not Sign Anything
Take their business card if offered. Tell them you need time to research. A legitimate contractor will respect that. A storm chaser will push harder. That reaction tells you everything you need to know.
Do Not Let Them on Your Roof Unsupervised
Unethical operators have been documented creating damage during unsupervised "free inspections." They loosen shingles, plant debris under tabs, or press on weakened areas to create visible fractures that justify a claim. If you did not invite them, do not let them on your roof.
Research Before You Call Anyone
Verify licensing with Denver's Community Planning and Development department. Check Google reviews. Look for a physical office address. Look for a website with a local phone number. Check the Colorado Roofing Association member directory. Read the BBB profile. This research takes 15 minutes. It saves you thousands.
Get Multiple Bids From Licensed Denver Contractors
Contact two or three licensed, local Denver contractors for inspections and estimates. Compare scope of work, materials, warranty terms, and pricing. Do not accept the first offer. The right contractor earns your business through transparency, not through pressure.
File Complaints if You Encounter Fraud
Report storm chaser activity to Denver's Community Planning and Development department, the Colorado Attorney General's office, and the Better Business Bureau of Denver-Boulder. If a contractor offered to waive your deductible, report the violation to the Colorado Division of Insurance. These reports help enforcement agencies track and prosecute repeat offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Storm Chasers
Choose a Contractor You Trust, Not One Who Knocked
Mighty Dog Roofing of Downtown Denver carries a Specialty Class D Roof Covering/Waterproofing license, pulls permits for every project, and serves Denver homeowners year-round. We provide free storm damage inspections with detailed photo documentation. We do not knock on doors uninvited. We earn your business through transparency and workmanship.
Call (720) 702-1572 NowMighty Dog Roofing of Downtown Denver is a licensed, local roofing contractor serving Denver, CO and surrounding communities. Learn more about our Denver roofing services or call (720) 702-1572 to schedule your free inspection today.
Serving Denver neighborhoods including Capitol Hill, Highlands, Washington Park, Park Hill, Congress Park, Sloan's Lake, Cherry Creek, Hilltop, Green Valley Ranch, Stapleton, Baker, and the entire metro area. Visit Mighty Dog Roofing of Downtown Denver.