What Would You Do if You Are Door Knocked by Storm Chaser

Danger on 17/02/2023 - 21:42
Last edited 18/02/2023 - 17:33 by 1 other user

I had a cold call at my home by one of roof restoration company in Brisbane.

Few days ago we had a storm in South East Brisbane with golf ball size hail falling for 10 minutes or so. Customer rep of this company asked if he could go on a roof to inspect if any damage caused by storm. I agreed and he noticed many dents on our metal roof. Those dents could be caused by previous storm. It was first time I went on the roof after buying this property. I had building and pest inspection done but they didn't mention anything about hail damage on the roof.

He reckons that damage is exceeded more than 20% of the roof size and he should be able to get insurance claim approved on my behalf. He even offered to cover my insurance excess.

Have you had any experience dealing with company like this? Do you think it's potential trap?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • grog on 17/02/2023 - 21:47
    +20

    Sounds dodgy.. risky

    Check with your insurance company.

    He will want money to process your possible claim

    risky..

    • SF3 on 17/02/2023 - 22:12
      +3

      He will want money to process your possible claim

      Might also just make a claim (the random acting as the processer of the money) and do a runner, free $.

      Could also be a social engineering way to steal OP's personal details.

    • WT on 19/02/2023 - 19:08

      this is similar to whats going on in florida which was reported in the media, they put the insurance through, insurance pays, they put new roof on. Except your roof had minor damage, your insurance premium goes up and insurance companies are going bust and you have a roof installed by a bunch of cowboys

  • Flying Ace on 17/02/2023 - 21:50
    +6

    Username checks out

  • Gunnar on 17/02/2023 - 21:52
    +12

    I think I’d rather take my chances giving a Nigerian prince an advance payment

    • AustriaBargain on 17/02/2023 - 21:56

      Have to admire his hustle though. Makes me think a big roofing organisation should send drones out over hundreds of houses to check for damage after a storm and set some professional salespeople on the home owners.

      • GordonD on 18/02/2023 - 09:47

        You need to find out the rules on flying drones. You can't just fly them anywhere. You can't fly them over other people's property. You can't fly them near or over people. They, and the ground they are flying over, has to be visible to the operator.

        • AustriaBargain on 18/02/2023 - 14:30

          The operator could be driven around in a car maybe.

  • AustriaBargain on 17/02/2023 - 21:53
    +2

    Yeah ask your insurance, they probably have their own contractors who can come have a look.

  • Muzeeb on 17/02/2023 - 22:00

    Lol

  • pegaxs on 17/02/2023 - 22:01
    +11

    “No. Thanks though. Have a good afternoon.” *close door*

    • Gunnar on 17/02/2023 - 22:09
      +2

      Next post from the OP “what to do? House robbed, they came in through the roof”

  • tallkid123 on 17/02/2023 - 22:04
    +13

    Have you had any experience dealing with company like this ? Do you think it's potential trap ?

    Why on earth did you let him go on your roof?

    It's not like he's gonna say "Oh, your roof is fine. I'll be on my way now."

    • SF3 on 17/02/2023 - 22:18
      +4

      Why on earth did you let him go on your roof?

      Plot twist, OP is working on some Dangerous top secret project, the inspector was just an undercover agent, planting recording devices.

      • tallkid123 on 17/02/2023 - 22:57
        +1

        Honestly, when I get a cold call, 99% of the time, I just hang up.

        And this is coming from someone whose first ever job was cold calling people to do surveys.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2023 - 22:08

    Total trap however he told you that he'd cover your excess so could be worth it. Let us know how you go.

  • SF3 on 17/02/2023 - 22:11

    Do you think it's potential trap ?

    Nah, all good mate, too good to be true, it must be. 🍿

  • Some Human on 18/02/2023 - 00:11

    I read that as: should I trust this scammer?

    • Danger on 18/02/2023 - 00:20

      He handed me a business card. I checked his business details (QBCC and ABN) online and it checks out as legit business. Just not sure what could be potential catch going with this.

      • Mechz on 18/02/2023 - 00:30
        +7

        Your insurance premiums will go up.

        If you can't see the dents standing in the yard and there's no leaks, you're just wasting money, time and materials getting it all replaced.

        Also, what if he does more damage replacing the roof, is it worth the hassle down the track?

        • Danger on 18/02/2023 - 00:36

          So far in two days I haven't noticed any leaks or watermarks on ceiling. Agree, replacing the roof can a risky with things can go south.

          • spal on 18/02/2023 - 09:39

            @Danger: In these times, you are better off not starting a major repair unless it is required. Even if they are legit, there is no guarantee that the insurance does not turnaround and say that these are pre-existing damage. If they accept the claim, it will go against your claim history and the consequences of increased premium, etc. Finally, even if all ducks line up, there is severe shortage of skilled labour in the building industry, plus businesses failing. You don't want to be in a situation where they have taken off the damaged roof and then could not find someone to install in a timely fashion. Check if they will allow you to remain in the property whilst they are doing the repair. Maybe do some further research. There will definitely be some genuine reviews if they are good or dodgy. Ask for references, talk to them and assess if they are genuine experience. Still there would be no guarantee that your experience is going to be same as the previous person.

  • Nutrino on 18/02/2023 - 01:27
    +2

    Do you what a 'Storm Chaser' is?

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 18/02/2023 - 01:44
      +3

      Billy Slater?

    • Sleeqb7 on 18/02/2023 - 11:44
      +1

      I think they're using the term in the same way someone would use 'Ambulance chaser', maybe not aware that a storm chaser is already a thing.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 18/02/2023 - 01:44
    +3

    Admittedly, I haven't read all of this, but you live in Brisbane?
    1. How old is the house?
    2. I have heard/seen many reports of Hail in the South QLD area many times over the years.

    So, I would bet @zeggie (ie Zeggies $5 from a recent post) that most of the hail damage is from previous events. If you are worried, buy a large tarp, heavy duty rope and a ladder (assuming you don't have one already).

    IF the damge looks bad, maybe post a few shots via an imgur page link (Or Ozb's), and see if any of the great minds on this site, can help. Also, contact your insurance company any see what they think, but do not hand any money over whatsoever. The fact that he will pay your excess, means that the price will be inflated yet again.

    You also have the right to a second opinion. Generally, people that coldcall/leave letter pamphlets are paying extra $$$ to attract business, and their prices are usually way higher (same as the biggest ads in the Yellowpages). However, I suspect any roofing contactor will say, yes that needs replacing, as they will want the money (unless they are honest).

    On a side note, I played in a band with a guy that couldn't afford a decent part of equipment. He moved and started a telemarketing call Centre @ 30 years ago. Lets just say he is a very wealthy lad now.

    All the best.

    • ihbh on 18/02/2023 - 08:29

      Most importantly insurers have their preferred suppliers. Say they assess the damage at 10k and this guy charges 20k, guess where that extra 10k is coming from (less the excess they'll cover).

      Use your own supplier means you do it yourself and wear all the warranty yourself (you and your random supplier).

  • randomusername2017 on 18/02/2023 - 06:46
    +3

    even offered to cover my insurance excess.

    Novel concept.. insurer covering own excess from inflated quote… panelbeaters should get in on this rebate scheme..

  • trex on 18/02/2023 - 07:01
    +1

    I’d storm chase the storm chaser if the storm chaser could chase storm.

  • Sinnerator on 18/02/2023 - 08:32

    How is this different to car accident smash repairers who do all the insurance admin work for you?

    Drive in leave your smashed car, give some details, wait 30 mins for the free hire car to be given to you, you drive off, get a call 1-2 weeks later pick up your repaired car, leave the hire car. EASY and NO SCAM.

    OP, give it a go, DO NOT GIVE ANY MONEY OR PAYMENT DETAILS at all. If contract looks suss don't sign it and post it on Ozbargain and let us laugh at it.

    • Mechz on 18/02/2023 - 09:30
      +2

      Difference is the smash repairer hasn't seen the car in traffic, knocked on the window while you're stopped at the lights and said 'hey I noticed a few trolley dings, come to my repair shop and we'll replace every panel on the car for you and get your insurance to pay for it all'.

    • pencilman on 18/02/2023 - 11:50

      Actually, IMO, the "smash repairer will take care of all the paperwork and give you a free hire car" is also a scam, though the people being scammed are the other party in the accident and the insurance company.
      The damage bill is inflated in extent and price, and they charge it to the other party.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 18/02/2023 - 08:34

    At the end of the day your roof is still phucked and needs repair, so…

  • lesleigh on 18/02/2023 - 09:21
    +2

    I had this happen a few years ago. the deal was they did the insurance claim for me and I would give them the work. It was fine until I got the cost of the work, could get another company to do the same job and have 20, 000 left over. So I give them a percentage as I would never have thought to get my asbestos roof replaced (way out of a pensioners means). went with other company for the work and had money left over to paint my house

  • lesleigh on 18/02/2023 - 09:22

    I had this happen a few years ago. the deal was they did the insurance claim for me and I would give them the work. It was fine until I got the cost of the work, could get another company to do the same job and have 20, 000 left over. So I give them a percentage as I would never have thought to get my asbestos roof replaced (way out of a pensioners means). went with other company for the work and had money left over to paint my house

  • Euphemistic on 18/02/2023 - 10:07

    What could possibly go wrong?

    IMO all cold callers should be considered scam artists. The are basically trying to con you into something that is not going to be worth what you are supposed to pay.

    Never deal with anyone but your insurance company directly for an insurance claim.

  • Ocker on 18/02/2023 - 10:53
    +1

    IF your insurance company decides you have a valid claim then they will likely insist they use their own contractors with who they have negotiated rates.

  • Brucet on 18/02/2023 - 11:34

    Good bye…..lol

  • jizmo on 18/02/2023 - 17:01

    If you did make a claim. Most owners get highest quote give it to the insurance company. Then take the 50K or whatever it is and don't get the job done.
    This way he's cherry picking all the good jobs and charging a fortune for it before you realize you could make a dollar out of this too.

    Can I ask? What was the name of the company?

    • Danger on 18/02/2023 - 17:34

      It's a company called AusHail, which is located in Albion.

  • Aust on 18/02/2023 - 19:33

    Yes they do various towns with the idea of lodging a claim on your insurance.
    They did Toowoomba in 2020 and some southern based towns as well, Warwick, Stanthorpe, so makes sence they will go through Brisbane as based there.
    Nothing wrong with them, unless your the insurer.

  • lainey13 on 21/02/2023 - 16:34

    Erm, if you're so concerned, you lodge a claim with your insurance company and THEY will send someone out to assess it. Does this not scream scam to you?? Why would someone knock on YOUR door to 'help' you out? Do you often respond to people calling you at random with some sort of deal?!

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