Storm Chasers and Door-to-Door Siding Contractors in Kansas

What storm chasers are

"Storm chaser" is the common name for contractors who follow severe weather from region to region, knocking on doors in neighborhoods hit by hail or wind. Some are legitimate companies that do good work and stand behind it. Others do rushed, low-quality work, collect insurance money and leave before problems show up, with no local presence to call afterward. Wichita-area neighborhoods see a wave of door knockers, yard signs and flyers after nearly every major hailstorm.

Common red flags

• Pressure to sign today, or "we only have one slot left this week."
• Offering to waive or "cover" your deductible. That can amount to misrepresenting the cost of the job to your insurer.
• Asking you to sign a contract or an assignment of benefits before your insurer has looked at the damage.
• Large cash deposits up front, or cash only.
• No local address or contact information you can verify, or out-of-state plates and phone numbers only.
• Claiming to be "approved" or "sent" by your insurance company.
• Offering to inspect your roof or walls and then showing you damage you cannot see for yourself.
• Not knowing the local permit and licensing rules.

Your right to cancel: three business days

Under K.S.A. 50-640, a consumer has the right to cancel a door-to-door sale made in Kansas until midnight of the third business day after signing an agreement that includes the required disclosures. The seller must give you a completed copy of the contract with a notice of your right to cancel. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule provides a similar federal three-day right to cancel for many sales of $25 or more made at your home. Use the cancellation method described in your contract, in writing, and keep a copy and proof of delivery.

There are exceptions, such as when you asked the seller to come for an emergency repair, so read the contract and the statute or FTC guidance if you are unsure.

Assignment of benefits (AOB) in Kansas

An assignment of benefits lets a contractor deal directly with your insurer and receive the claim payment. Kansas law, K.S.A. 50-6,143, sets rules for post-loss assignments to residential contractors: the assignment must include a specific notice in capital letters, the contractor must give your insurer a copy within three business days, and you may cancel the assignment within five business days. The Kansas Insurance Department advises homeowners to be cautious about signing over benefits.

You do not need to sign an AOB to have a contractor work on your claim. Many homeowners keep control of the claim and pay the contractor as work is completed.

Licensing and registration

• Roofing: the Kansas Roofing Registration Act requires roofing contractors to register with the Kansas Attorney General. Many siding companies also do roofing; ask for the registration number.
• Siding in MABCD areas: MABCD issues a roofing and/or siding contractor license for Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County. Permits for larger siding jobs are pulled under that license.
• Other cities: ask your city whether contractors must register.

Ask for the license or registration number and verify it with the issuing agency before signing.

How to handle the knock

1. Be polite, take a card or flyer, and do not sign anything at the door.
2. Do not let anyone on your roof without your permission.
3. Do your own walk-around and take photos. See signs you need new siding.
4. Call your insurer or agent to report the damage and ask how they handle inspections.
5. Get more than one bid. The Kansas Insurance Department recommends it.
6. Check each contractor's local presence, license or registration, and references you can verify.
7. Read the contract: scope, materials, payment schedule, cleanup, permits and warranty.

Deposits and payment

Pay by check or card, not cash, and do not pay in full up front. A reasonable deposit for materials is common; the rest should follow completed work. Do not sign a certificate of completion until the work is finished and you have inspected it. If your mortgage company is named on the insurance check, ask how it releases funds.

Where to get help or report problems

• Kansas Insurance Department consumer assistance line: 1-800-432-2484, for questions about claims and insurers.
• Kansas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for door-to-door sales and contractor complaints, and roofing registration questions.
• MABCD (316-660-1840) for license and permit questions in Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County.
• Your city hall for permits and contractor registration elsewhere.

Local contractors are not automatically better

Being local is not a guarantee of quality, and some out-of-town crews do good work. What matters is accountability: a verifiable business, the right license or registration, a clear written contract, and someone you can call after the job is done. See how to choose a siding contractor in Wichita.

Requesting quotes on your own terms

If you would rather start the process yourself than wait for a knock, you can request free quotes. We will call you back to set up a free quote. See hail damage siding.

Related services

• Hail Damage Siding Repair: Check, document and repair hail-cracked vinyl, dented steel and chipped fiber cement after a storm.
• Siding Insurance Claims in Kansas: How hail and wind siding claims work in Kansas, from deductibles to matching and supplements.
• Siding Replacement: Tear off worn or damaged siding and re-side the house in vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood or steel.

Sources: K.S.A. 50-640 (door-to-door sales, three-day cancellation); FTC, the Cooling-Off Rule; K.S.A. 50-6,143 (assignment of insurance benefits to a contractor); Kansas Insurance Department, "After the storm"; Kansas Attorney General, roofing contractor registration; MABCD, contractor licensing.

Good to know: Requesting a quote is free and there is no obligation. Ask for a written quote that lists the material, the scope, permits and the warranty terms.