OKC Storm-Chaser Scam Survival Guide

After every big hailstorm, out-of-state "storm chasers" flood OKC neighborhoods knocking on doors. The honest crews are fine — but the bad ones cost homeowners thousands. Here's exactly how to spot them and protect yourself.

6 red flags of a storm-chaser scam

• The high-pressure door knock. Shows up unannounced right after a storm and pushes you to "sign today before the price goes up."
• Asks for a deposit before any work starts. Reputable roofers handling insurance work rarely need money up front.
• Pushes an "insurance assignment" (AOB) contract. This hands your claim rights to the contractor — the single biggest trap. Never sign over your claim.
• No local Oklahoma address. Out-of-state plates, a magnetic sign on the truck, and a cell number with an out-of-area code are warning signs.
• Not registered with the Oklahoma CIB. Oklahoma requires roofing contractors to register with the Construction Industries Board. No registration number = walk away.
• "We'll waive your deductible." That's insurance fraud in Oklahoma — and it drags you into it.

4 questions to ask any roofer before you sign

1. What's your Oklahoma CIB registration number? (Then verify it.)
2. What's your local address, and can you give me three recent OKC-metro references?
3. How do you handle my deductible? (The honest answer: you pay it — it's never legally waived.)
4. Will you meet my insurance adjuster on-site and put the full scope in writing?

How to verify a license in 2 minutes

Ask for the contractor's Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) registration number, then confirm it before signing anything. A legitimate local roofer will hand it over without hesitation. Combine that with a real local address and references you actually call, and the storm chasers screen themselves out.