Unlicensed contractors will knock on your door within 48 hours. Here's how to protect yourself and your claim.
Within 48 hours of a major storm event, unlicensed contractors — called "storm chasers" — flood affected areas. They knock doors, offer free inspections, and push homeowners to sign assignment-of-benefits contracts on the spot.
Do not sign anything on your doorstep.
They offer a "free inspection" and then:
1. Find real damage (there almost certainly is some)
2. Present a contract that assigns your insurance benefits to them directly
3. File a claim with your carrier
4. Pocket the difference between what insurance pays and what they actually do
The homeowner ends up with a botched repair, a closed claim, and no recourse because they signed away their rights.
A legitimate contractor in Wisconsin:
1. Call your insurance company and open a claim (get a claim number)
2. Document all damage before any contractor touches anything
3. Get 3 estimates from licensed Wisconsin contractors
4. Use Rita at (844) CLAIM to get a verified contractor referral
If a storm chaser has already been on your roof, or if you've already signed something, call (888) LAW-AI to understand your options. Assignment of benefits contracts can often be rescinded within 3 business days.
Search the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services contractor registry at dsps.wi.gov. Look for:
Rita at (844) CLAIM can walk you through this process in real-time.
Call any NEED AI number for instant AI intake, priority scoring, and professional routing. 24/7.