05/26/2026
Storm Chasers in Green Country: How to Spot (and Avoid) Fly-by-Night Contractors
Not even two days after the May 8 storms hit Owasso, Collinsville, Claremore, and Skiatook, the out-of-state license plates started appearing. Texas, Florida, Colorado - contractors from across the country descended on northeastern Oklahoma, chasing the storm damage that local news called "the worst hail event in a decade."
While some out-of-state contractors are legitimate, many are what the industry calls "storm chasers" - companies that appear after disasters, collect deposits or insurance checks, and disappear before the work is done properly (or at all).
Red Flags to Watch For
Storm chasers often share common characteristics. They'll ask for large deposits upfront - sometimes 50% or more. They can't provide a local address, just a phone number and maybe a P.O. box. They'll pressure you to sign a contract that allows them to negotiate directly with your insurance company. Most telling: they can't show you any local work they've completed because they've never worked here before.
These contractors set up temporary operations, often working out of hotels along Highway 75 or rental lots in industrial areas. They'll be gone in 6-8 weeks, usually right about the time problems with their work start showing up.
The Local Advantage Through FREEthR
This is where FREEthR's vetting process becomes invaluable. When you request bids through FREEthR (a free service for property owners), you're connected with contractors who have established businesses, proper insurance, and local reputations to protect. These aren't companies that will disappear when you need warranty work done.
FREEthR typically provides 3 bids from different contractors, allowing you to compare not just prices but also company histories, warranty terms, and local references. It's the difference between rolling the dice with a storm chaser and making an informed decision with contractors who'll still be here next year.
Why Storm Chasers Target Our Area
The May 8 storms created perfect conditions for storm chasers. Widespread damage across multiple communities means overwhelmed local contractors and anxious homeowners. When legitimate local roofers are booked 6-8 weeks out, that "we can start tomorrow" pitch from an out-of-state crew becomes tempting.
But consider this: if something goes wrong six months from now, will that Florida contractor drive back to Claremore to fix it? When you need warranty work, will that Colorado company even still exist?
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Every time a storm chaser takes advantage of a homeowner in Owasso or Skiatook, it hurts our entire community. Money that should stay local, supporting our economy and workers, instead leaves the state. Worse, homeowners are left with subpar work and no recourse.
FREEthR's model prevents this by ensuring all contractors in their network maintain proper licensing and insurance. By getting multiple bids through their free platform, you're not just protecting yourself - you're supporting a system that keeps legitimate contractors accountable and storm chasers out.
The Bottom Line
Your home along Bird Creek or near Oologah Lake deserves better than a contractor who'll be gone before the next football season. Whether you use FREEthR or another method to vet contractors, take the time to verify who you're hiring. Ask for local references. Verify insurance. Check how long they've been in business.
The May 8 storms were devastating enough. Don't let storm chasers make the recovery worse.
