The Disaster After the Disaster
After a major hurricane, tens of thousands of homeowners simultaneously need the same contractors, supplies, and emergency services. The demand spike creates a perfect environment for fraudulent contractors, unscrupulous 'storm chasers,' and bad-faith service providers. Post-storm contractor fraud costs Americans an estimated $1–2 billion per year. Knowing how to protect yourself in the chaotic days after landfall is as important as any pre-storm preparation.
The Storm Chaser Contractor
Storm chasers are contractors — often roofing companies — from out of state who follow the path of a hurricane from city to city. They knock on doors within 24–72 hours of a storm, offer a 'free inspection,' and present an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form.
NEVER sign an Assignment of Benefits or any contract giving a contractor authority over your insurance claim without consulting an attorney or your insurance company first. An AOB transfers control of your insurance claim to the contractor.
Verify every contractor's license at your state's contractor licensing board website before signing anything. Never pay a storm chaser in full upfront. Get at least three written estimates from different contractors before committing.
How to Find a Legitimate Contractor Post-Storm
After a major storm, legitimate local contractors are booked and difficult to reach. Here's how to find trustworthy help: check your state licensing board (Florida: MyFloridaLicense.com; Texas: TDLR), search the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) for local contractors with established review histories, register at DisasterAssistance.gov for FEMA contractor referrals, and ask neighbors and community groups on Nextdoor or local Facebook groups for real-time reviews.
Who to Call — Your Post-Storm Response List
| Situation | Who to Call | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Report your damage | Your insurance company (first) | Number on your policy card |
| Federal disaster assistance | FEMA | DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-FEMA |
| Uninsured losses | SBA Disaster Loans | disasterloanassistance.sba.gov |
| Price gouging (FL) | Florida AG Hotline | 1-866-966-7226 |
| Price gouging (TX) | Texas AG Hotline | 1-800-252-8011 |
| Price gouging (LA) | Louisiana AG Hotline | 1-800-351-4889 |
| FTC fraud report | Federal Trade Commission | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Local resources, food, shelter | 211 | Dial 2-1-1 from any phone |
| Disputed insurance settlement | Public Adjuster (5–15% of claim) | Find via your state's adjuster licensing board |
Post-Storm Price Gouging
The same price gouging laws that apply before a storm also apply after it. Common post-storm price gouging targets include debris removal, tree services, temporary housing, food, and fuel. Document everything: take photos, keep receipts, note the business name and address. Report to your state Attorney General's price gouging hotline and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Recovery after a major hurricane is a marathon, not a sprint. Protect yourself in the first days after the storm by slowing down, documenting everything, verifying everyone, and never signing documents under pressure. Track the storm's path with our Live Storm Tracker and sign up for free alerts to stay ahead of the storm.