When the skies clear after bad weather, most homeowners just want one thing: help. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what fraudulent contractors count on after storms.
In Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, the weeks after a storm are busy. Legitimate roofing and exterior crews roll out for inspections, insurance adjusters start writing estimates, and neighbors pitch in to clean up debris.
Then come the others—the so-called storm chasers. These fraudulent contractors are the ones who drive in from out of town, knock on your door before the insurance adjuster has even parked, and promise “free roofs” or “no-cost repairs.”
Some are just sloppy. Others are flat-out fraudulent. Either way, when you sign on the dotted line with someone who can’t spell “liability insurance,” you’re gambling with your biggest investment—your home.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), contractor fraud has become one of the fastest-growing post-disaster crimes in the country. The NICB warns that many bad actors promise quick help, request an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)—essentially giving them control of your insurance payout—and then vanish after cashing the check.
These scams cause more than financial loss; they delay real repairs, create disputes with insurers, and leave homeowners in worse shape than before the storm.
The NICB’s advice is simple and solid. Before you sign anything, slow down and look for these warning signs:
High-pressure sales tactics (“Sign now or lose your spot”)
Demands for full payment up front
Requests for an Assignment of Benefits
No proof of insurance or license
Out-of-state plates and temporary office addresses
If any of that sounds familiar—walk away. Then call your insurance company and a local, credentialed contractor.
These scams cause more than financial loss; they delay real repairs, create disputes with insurers, and leave homeowners in worse shape than before the storm.
At All Craft Exteriors, we’ve seen the aftermath of these scams more times than we’d like. General Manager Jewels DeCorsey puts it plainly:
“When we meet a homeowner, we present our credentials up front. We’re licensed, insured, and local—and that should be standard. Honesty isn’t some marketing trick; it’s how we do business.”
Sales representative Alex Slawson adds:
“After a storm, folks can get emotional. We help homeowners understand the insurance process so they can make smart decisions. No pressure, no gimmicks, just facts.”
(You can learn how Alex detects storm damage in Northwest Rochester in this YouTube video)
Choosing a local contractor doesn’t just mean someone with a 507 area code. It means a company that’s based in your community, employs local crews, and will still be around years later to honor their warranty.
That’s us. We’re headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota, and serve homeowners across southern Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa. We’re licensed, insured, and backed by the Best Crew in the Business—people who live right here, not out of a hotel parking lot.
Our promise is simple: We’re built on trust.
Call your local insurance agent first. Report the damage before you authorize any repairs.
Research your contractor. Check licensing with your state’s Department of Labor and Industry.
Get it in writing. Make sure every estimate details scope, materials, and timelines.
Never pay in full up front. A reputable contractor won’t ask you to.
Stay local. If they can’t pronounce “Zumbrota,” they probably don’t belong on your roof.
Storms happen. Scams don’t have to. Avoid fraudulent Contractors after Storms. Whether you’re in Rochester, Byron, Plainview, or Eau Claire, take your time, ask questions, and partner with a contractor who’s proven—and local.
All Craft Exteriors offers free post-storm inspections and a full suite of exterior services, including roofing, siding, windows, and gutters.
Serving: Rochester MN, Pine Island MN, Lake City MN, Byron MN, Plainview MN, Kasson MN, and communities throughout southern Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northern Iowa.
Specialties: Storm damage repair, roof replacement, hail inspection, siding restoration, and window replacement.
All Craft Exteriors – Built on Trust.
AllCraftExteriors.com
