Zero Tolerance for Door-Knocking Roof Scams in Coastal North Carolina

Door-knocking roofing scams are no longer isolated incidents—they are a systemic problem across coastal North Carolina.

In communities including Wilmington, Swansboro, Leland, Hampstead, Surf City, Holly Ridge, Jacksonville, Morehead City, New Bern, and surrounding areas, many roofing companies now rely on insurance-driven door knocking as their primary lead-generation strategy.

This practice is unethical. It misleads homeowners. It exploits the insurance system.
And it gives the entire roofing industry a bad name.

At Fortitude Roofing, we have zero tolerance for deceptive roofing practices.

The Truth About Door-Knocking Roofing Operations

Let’s be clear: Most door-knocking roofing companies are not there to inspect your roof. They are there to generate insurance claims.

These companies train salespeople—not roofers—to:

• Funnel homeowners into insurance claims whether damage exists or not.
• Coerce homeowners into contractual traps such as signing contingency agreements.
• Promise “free roofs” paid by the insurance company.
• Lead with the insurance deductible as the “only out of pocket” expense.

They often arrive uninvited and claim storm damage without performing a legitimate inspection. Their goal is simple: get a claim filed because that is how they get paid.

This is not roofing. This is claim harvesting.

Common Lies Used by Insurance-Driven Roofers

Homeowners are routinely told:

• “Your insurance will pay for everything.”
• “There’s no risk to filing a claim.”
• “Everyone in your neighborhood is getting a new roof.”
• “We’ll handle the insurance so you don’t have to.”

These statements are deliberately misleading.

Insurance companies do not approve claims automatically. Filing unnecessary claims can permanently damage a homeowner’s insurance profile—even when no fraud was intended.

Why These Practices Are Dangerous and Unethical

Door-knocking roofing scams place all the risk on the homeowner and all the reward on the contractor.

Consequences homeowners may face include:

• Denied insurance claims
• Increased premiums
• Policy non-renewal or cancellation
• Difficulty obtaining coverage in the future
• Legal exposure in insurance fraud investigations

Meanwhile, the contractor simply moves on to the next neighborhood.

Even worse, some contractors have been accused of manufacturing or exaggerating damage to force claim approval—actions that cross from unethical into criminal.

North Carolina Is Prosecuting Roofing Insurance Fraud

This is not theoretical.

Recently a Charlotte North Carolina roofing contractor was recently arrested on felony charges for allegedly fabricating roof damage to support fraudulent insurance claims.

This sends a clear message:
North Carolina has zero tolerance for roofing insurance fraud.

And homeowners should understand this critical fact:
Even if the contractor initiates the scheme, homeowners can still be held accountable for participating in a fraudulent or exaggerated claim.

How Door-Knocking Hurts Ethical Roofing Contractors

These practices don’t just harm homeowners—they poison the entire industry.

Ethical roofing companies that:

• Wait to be invited
• Perform real inspections
• Tell homeowners when a claim does not make sense

are forced to compete against contractors promising “free roofs” and guaranteed insurance approvals.
This creates a race to the bottom, where honesty loses and deception wins—until regulators step in.
Roofing should be a trade built on trust, not manipulation.

Red Flags Homeowners Must Take Seriously

If a roofing company:

• Pressures you to file a claim immediately
• Guarantees insurance approval
• Focuses more on insurance paperwork than your roof
• Asks you to sign documents (contingency agreement) on the first visit
• Offers to work on your behalf with your insurance company to “help manage” the claim process.
• You are not being helped. You are being used.

What Homeowners Should Do When They Encounter Shady Roofing Behavior

If you believe a contractor:

• Pressured you into filing an unnecessary claim
• Exaggerated or falsified roof damage
• Manipulated your roof to justify insurance coverage

Report it immediately.

North Carolina Department of Insurance

Criminal Investigations Division

• Phone: 919-807-6750
• Website: Search “NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division”

Reporting these actions protects homeowners, ethical contractors, and the integrity of the insurance system.

Fortitude Roofing’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

Fortitude Roofing serves Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Carteret, and Craven counties, including Wilmington and Swansboro, with a strict zero-tolerance stance on unethical practices.

We do not:

• Require a contingency agreement
• Guarantee insurance outcomes
• Falsify roof damage

We do:

• Provide honest, documented inspections
• Tell homeowners when a claim does not make sense
• Educate—not pressure
• Put homeowner protection first, every time

Final Warning to Homeowners

A “free roof” is rarely free.

If someone knocks on your door promising one, understand what’s really happening:
They are betting your insurance, your premiums, and your legal standing for their paycheck.

Ask questions. Get second opinions. Speak directly with your insurance provider.

And if you want a roofing contractor in Wilmington, Swansboro, or coastal North Carolina who operates with integrity and zero tolerance for shady behavior, Fortitude

Roofing Insurance Scam FAQs (North Carolina)

What is a door-knocking roof scam?

A door-knocking roof scam occurs when an uninvited contractor claims you have roof damage and pressures you to file an insurance claim. In North Carolina, these operators often exaggerate or fabricate damage to get you to sign paperwork quickly.

Can a roofer guarantee insurance approval?

No. Under North Carolina law, only your insurance company can approve or deny a claim. Any contractor who guarantees approval is misrepresenting the process and may be engaging in insurance fraud.

What are the red flags?

High-pressure tactics, promises of a “free roof,” offers to waive or rebate deductibles (which is illegal in NC), or requests to sign an Assignment of Benefits on the spot. Lack of a North Carolina license, local office, or verifiable references is also a major warning sign.

What should homeowners do?

Work only with a licensed, insured North Carolina roofing contractor you can verify. Take time to review documents, avoid signing anything under pressure, and speak directly with your insurance company before proceeding.

How do I report fraud in North Carolina?

Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) Consumer Services Division. Homeowners can file a complaint online or call the NCDOI directly to protect themselves and others.