Illinois storm repairs offered at the door, or as a free inspection
Illinois Attorney GeneralIllinois
On July 1, 2026, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned residents about repair scams after spring storms. He said storm chasers pressure people with damaged homes or businesses into quick, expensive decisions, and that some pose as public adjusters offering a free inspection so they can submit an insurance claim. He also said Illinois had already recorded more tornadoes in 2026 than in any earlier year for the state, and more than any other state so far that year.
The office noted that Illinois does not require a state license for general contractors, though cities may require permits. Public adjusters must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Insurance, and roofers by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The alert also described the Home Repair and Remodeling Act: written contracts signed by both sides for repair or remodeling over $1,000, minimum insurance, and a pamphlet titled Home Repair: Know Your Rights. This page is a summary of that alert, not legal advice.
Red flags
- Someone comes to the door offering repairs or a free inspection after a storm.
- You are pushed to sign before you can compare written estimates.
- The contractor wants the full price up front, cash, or a payment app such as Venmo or Zelle.
- A roofer or public adjuster will not show a license, or the name on the license does not match the truck or the card.
How to protect yourself
- Ask people you trust for names and, when you can, hire an established local contractor.
- Get written estimates from more than one contractor and keep a signed copy of the contract.
- Do not pay the full amount until the work is finished to your satisfaction. The attorney general said not to pay in cash or by peer-to-peer app.
- The alert says most home-solicitation contracts can be canceled within three business days, and within 15 business days if you are over 65 and signed because of a home visit. For disaster repairs, if the insurer denies coverage, the alert says you can cancel within five days of that denial.
- Verify a public adjuster with the Department of Insurance at 866-445-5364. Your own insurer can send an adjuster at no extra charge. A public adjuster does not work for the insurer and may charge a fee.
If you are hit
- Call local law enforcement if someone is pressuring you at the property.
- Call the Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Hotline: 800-386-5438 in the Chicago area, 800-243-0618 in the Springfield area, or 800-243-0607 in the Carbondale area.
- You can also report the conduct at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Questions
Is Illinois storm repairs offered at the door, or as a free inspection a scam?
On July 1, 2026, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned residents about repair scams after spring storms. He said storm chasers pressure people with damaged homes or businesses into quick, expensive decisions, and that some pose as public adjusters offering a free inspection so they can submit an insurance claim. He also said Illinois had already recorded more tornadoes in 2026 than in any earlier year for the state, and more than any other state so far that year. This page summarizes a public warning from Illinois Attorney General dated July 1, 2026. The linked source is the record.
What should I do if I fell for it?
Call local law enforcement if someone is pressuring you at the property. Call the Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Hotline: 800-386-5438 in the Chicago area, 800-243-0618 in the Springfield area, or 800-243-0607 in the Carbondale area. You can also report the conduct at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- Attorney General Raoul warns residents to be on the lookout for storm-related repair scamsIllinois Attorney General
This summary is informational and not legal advice. If it and the linked source disagree, follow the source.
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