How to Spot and Avoid Storm-Chaser Roofers in Iowa

Storm and hail Updated 2026-10-22 · By Kasey, Waukee, Iowa · 9 sources

After a big hail or wind storm rolls through Des Moines, Waukee or Cedar Rapids, the knock on the door often comes within days: a friendly crew offering a "free inspection" and promising insurance will cover a new roof. Some of those crews are legitimate local companies. Others are what the Iowa Attorney General calls storm-chaser scammers, who "prey on vulnerable Iowans seeking repairs after a natural disaster, draining their bank accounts while failing to deliver."

This guide pulls together the warning signs and protections that the Iowa Attorney General's Office and the Iowa Insurance Division publish, plus the Iowa law that applies specifically to roofers after storms. It is general consumer information, not legal advice.

What a storm chaser looks like

The Attorney General's home improvement guidance says to be cautious of people who travel into damaged areas, knock on doors, and demand quick payment or signatures. The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) describes storm chasers as contractors who offer to repair damage but then take the payment and disappear without doing the work.

Phrases the Attorney General lists as door-to-door warning signs:

• "You must sign now to get this price."
• "Your neighbors already signed up."
• "Insurance will definitely cover this."
• "You do not need to read the whole contract."
• "This is free, but we need your signature."

For roofing, siding and windows specifically, the Attorney General flags promises that insurance will definitely cover the work, pressure to sign before contacting your insurer, and no clear permit or inspection responsibility.

The Attorney General's 8 tips, in plain English

In an April 2024 warning after severe storms, Attorney General Brenna Bird listed eight tips. Here they are, with how each applies to a roof:

1. Beware of aggressive sales tactics. Do not feel pressured to decide on the spot. Get multiple estimates.
2. Check the contractor's reputation before signing or paying, through government resources and trusted family, friends and neighbors. The release points to Iowa contractor registration, the Better Business Bureau, Iowa Courts Online and the Attorney General's complaint history line.
3. Verify identification. Ask for the contractor's driver's license and take pictures of their vehicles' license plates.
4. Get a written contract. Avoid large up-front payments, and never sign a contract that lets the contractor alone decide the final price, scope of work or materials.
5. Work directly with your insurance company. Do not let the contractor negotiate repairs with your insurer or act as your adjuster.
6. Avoid risky payment methods. Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or cash.
7. Beware of FEMA scams. FEMA does not charge application fees.
8. Know your cancellation rights. In most situations, you have three business days to cancel a home repair contract after signing it.

Iowa's 3-day right to cancel door-to-door sales

The Attorney General explains that Iowa law does not generally give consumers a right to cancel a contract, but door-to-door sales are an exception. You can cancel most transactions of $25 or more made at your home or workplace within three business days, for any reason. The seller must tell you about this right and give you written notice; if they do not provide the notice the way the law requires, you can cancel until three business days after you receive it. If you cancel properly, the seller must refund your money.

There are exceptions, including certain "emergency" purchases where you waive the right in writing, so read anything labeled an emergency waiver carefully. Send any cancellation the way the contract or notice requires, and keep proof.

The Iowa law written for storm roofing

Iowa Code section 103A.71 applies to "residential contractors" who repair or replace roof systems, or do other exterior work, after a catastrophe such as a hail storm, windstorm or tornado. It says a residential contractor:

• Shall not advertise or promise to rebate any insurance deductible, including discounts or allowances against the fees, or paying you for things like yard signs beyond items of nominal value.
• Shall not represent or negotiate, or offer to, on your behalf with your insurance company.
• Must give you a signed "Notice of Contract Obligations and Rights" in at least ten-point bold type before or when you sign.

A contract is void if the contractor violates those rules, and the notice itself tells you that you would have no responsibility for payment under it. So if a roofer at your door offers to "take care of your deductible," that is a reason to close the door.

Check before you sign: a 10-minute routine

1. Search Iowa contractor registration. Iowa requires contractors who earn at least $2,000 a year from construction to register with the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). Out-of-state contractors generally must file a $25,000 bond to register, according to DIAL. Ask for the registration number and search it. The Attorney General notes registration does not guarantee good work, but it is an important first step.
2. Call your insurer first. IID and the Attorney General both say to contact your insurance company directly rather than relying on a contractor to tell you what is covered.
3. Get at least three written estimates that cover the same work, as IID recommends.
4. Ask for proof of insurance. IID suggests getting copies of the contractor's liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance, and calling the insurer to confirm coverage is in effect.
5. Ask about permits and lien waivers. The Attorney General says to be cautious if a contractor avoids discussing permits, and to ask about lien waivers before final payment. Iowa's Mechanics' Notice and Lien Registry is run by the Secretary of State.
6. Pay in stages, by check or card. IID advises against paying in full upfront and against paying for materials until they are at your home.

Our guide to choosing a roofing contractor in Iowa has the full checklist, and our hail damage claim guide covers the insurance side.

Where to report a storm chaser

• Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: file a complaint online through the Attorney General's consumer complaint page. IID's storm-scam article lists the Attorney General's line, 888-777-4590, for suspected storm chaser scams.
• Iowa Insurance Division: IID says to contact it if you feel a contractor is acting as an unlicensed public adjuster.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to cancel a roofing contract signed at my door in Iowa?

The Iowa Attorney General says most door-to-door transactions of $25 or more can be cancelled within three business days, and the seller must give you written notice of that right. Some emergency purchases are exceptions if you waive the right in writing.

Is it illegal for a roofer to offer to cover my deductible in Iowa?

Iowa Code section 103A.71 says a residential contractor shall not advertise or promise to rebate any part of an insurance deductible, and a contract that violates it is void.

Does Iowa license roofers?

Iowa requires construction contractors who earn at least $2,000 a year from construction to register with DIAL. The Iowa Insurance Division notes registration is not the same as a license: a registered contractor has only provided information to a government authority.

How should I pay a roofer?

The Attorney General says never to pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or cash, and to avoid large up-front payments. The Iowa Insurance Division suggests paying in installments by check or credit card and getting a receipt for each payment.