After the recent stretch of heavy wind and storms across Central Ohio, a lot of homeowners are doing what they should—taking a look around their property and wondering if anything needs attention.

That’s the right instinct.

But there’s something most people don’t think about after a storm: not every roofing company showing up in your neighborhood is there for the right reasons.

There’s been a noticeable rise in situations where contractors intentionally damage roofs to make them look like legitimate insurance claims. It’s not common—but it’s common enough that it’s worth understanding how it happens and how to avoid it.

What to watch for after a storm

It usually starts with a knock at the door.

A contractor offers a free inspection, mentions recent storm activity, and says they’re already working in the area. On the surface, that all sounds reasonable.

Where things can go sideways is during the inspection itself.

In some cases, unethical contractors have been known to:

• Lift or crease shingles to mimic wind damage 
• Crack shingles to make them appear compromised 
• Use tools to simulate hail impact 
• Photograph the damage and present it as storm-related 
• Encourage the homeowner to file a claim right away 

From there, they position themselves as the company that can “handle everything” with insurance.

Why this can become a problem for homeowners

Even if a homeowner has no intention of doing anything wrong, getting pulled into this kind of situation can create real issues.

If a claim is submitted for damage that wasn’t actually caused by a storm, it can raise red flags. Insurance carriers are paying much closer attention to claim patterns, especially after large weather events.

That can lead to denied claims, policy complications, or in some cases, difficulty securing coverage down the road.

There’s also the risk of being left with a repair bill if the damage is disputed or not covered.

A better way to approach roof damage

If you think your home may have been impacted by recent storms, the safest first step isn’t calling a contractor—it’s talking to your insurance agent.

At Lew Griffin Insurance, we help homeowners sort through situations like this every spring. Sometimes there’s legitimate damage. Sometimes there isn’t. The key is understanding that before anything gets filed.

From there, you can move forward with clarity instead of pressure.

It’s also important to be cautious with unsolicited offers. A reputable contractor isn’t going to push you to file a claim on the spot or suggest ways to “make sure it gets approved.” If anything feels rushed or overly aggressive, it’s worth slowing things down.

And if you do move forward with an inspection, it’s always smart to get a second opinion. A trustworthy roofer will document what they see, explain it clearly, and give you space to decide what to do next.

If something doesn’t feel right

Most homeowners can tell when something feels off.

If you notice a contractor being overly aggressive on your roof, using tools in ways that don’t seem right, or pushing hard for a claim, it’s okay to stop the process.

Take a few photos of the areas they inspected if you can, and make a quick note of what happened.

Then reach out to your insurance agent before taking any next steps. It’s much easier to sort things out early than after a claim has already been submitted.

Why this tends to happen in the spring

Spring storms in Central Ohio bring a mix of wind, rain, and fast-moving weather systems that can absolutely cause real roof damage.

But they also create a window where everyone is talking about roofs at the same time. That environment makes it easier for less reputable companies to blend in with legitimate ones.

Most contractors are doing things the right way. The challenge is knowing how to spot the few that aren’t.

A simple rule to follow

If you’re ever unsure, slow the process down.

Talk to someone you trust. Ask questions. Get a second set of eyes on it.

There’s no downside to taking an extra day or two to make the right decision, but there can be real consequences to moving too quickly.

If you need a second opinion

If you’ve had someone look at your roof, or you’re wondering whether recent storms may have caused damage, Lew Griffin Insurance is always available to talk it through.

No pressure, no push to file a claim—just a straightforward conversation so you can make the right call for your home.