How to Find a Licensed Contractor After Storm Damage

After a major hailstorm or tornado, unlicensed contractors flood into affected areas hoping to take advantage of desperate homeowners. In Oklahoma, Texas, and the Midwest alone, storm chasing scams cost homeowners millions every year.

The Storm Chaser Problem

Within hours of a major storm, out-of-state contractors show up door-to-door offering fast, cheap repairs. Many have no local license, no insurance, and disappear after taking a deposit — or do shoddy work that fails within months.

Step 1: Verify State Licensing

Every state has an online contractor license lookup. Here's where to check for our service cities:

• Texas: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (tdlr.texas.gov)
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (cib.ok.gov)
• Missouri: Missouri Secretary of State (sos.mo.gov)
• Nebraska: Nebraska Department of Labor (dol.nebraska.gov)
• North Carolina: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (nclbgc.org)
• Tennessee: Tennessee Contractor Licensing Board (tn.gov/commerce)
• Colorado: Colorado DORA (dora.colorado.gov)

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance showing both general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is active — contractors have been known to present expired or fake certificates.

Step 3: Check References and Reviews

• Ask for 3 local references from the past 12 months
• Check Google reviews, BBB, and Angi — look for patterns, not just the star rating
• Search "contractor name + scam" or "contractor name + complaints"

Step 4: Get Everything in Writing

Before any work begins, get a detailed written contract including: scope of work, materials specified, total cost, payment schedule, warranty terms, and project start and completion dates.

Step 5: Never Pay More Than 10% Upfront

A reputable contractor does not need a large deposit before starting work. In many states it is illegal to require more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) as a deposit on a residential contract.

How GetPro Estimates Helps

Every contractor in our network has been verified for state licensing and current insurance before they ever receive a lead from us. We do the vetting work so you don't have to — especially important in the chaotic days after a major storm.