I'd be scared too. How did your insurance company determine the amount of the check? At least in our area, it is customary to get a quote (or two) from local contactors. Then the homeowner and insurance adjuster agree on the amount of the check. Did you go through a similar process?

I'd ask for references from the "Storm Chasers", preferably from both their usual area, and others in your area. You should also request the same info from any local contractor you consider.
Also, depending on the state or municipality you are located in, you may have a contractor registration. If that is the case, you can usually look online to see if they have had any complaints registered against them.

Good Luck

Never, never, never, never, NEVER use out of town roofers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Locally, any company doing business in my city has to have a city license. That means company information is on record.
I had a fellow come to my door asking if he could put a security company sign in my yard---they would even pay me $25 for the privilege. When I asked him for his company license, he made excuses. I refused his pitch---REALLY, I am NOT selling!!!!!!!---and called the police---who arrested him for doing business without a license.

Go back to your insurance company and find out how badly the roof is damaged. Chances are repairing it can wait a bit. The local folks are using the situation to pad their prices. Waiting until the immediate crunch is over will mean much lower prices.

tell us how you feel handymac..don't hold back!

I'd steer away from roofers that have not
been in business for several years in your area.
too many folks working off the back of their trucks
take the money and leave you with a leaky roof.

we get those 'storm chasers' here after hurricanes.
they bring their tree removal cousins with them.

steer clear.

get bids from locals. ask your friends who they have
used in the past that did a good job. ask at the
local lumber yard. if a contractor does a good
job, word gets around. if a contractor does
a bad job..word also travels.

best of luck.

Thanks guys. The company in question is SUTHERLANDS Exteriors and they are based out of NC but have a local office in my area for the last 18 months. They seem to bring foreign workers back with them from NC for the different jobs. They are out of PA, OHIo, TX and NC that I know of. Would you say this qualifies as local or not? Yes they have lived here 18 months (salesperson anyway) but crews seem to move where the work takes them. They are willing to aceept whatever my insurance gives me as payment for siding and roof. This makes me nervous. An excelelnt local roofer quoted me high for roof and siding, I THINK my insurance check is half that yet Sutherlands will accept that...Makes me nervous..????

Are they quoting the same materials between the local roofers and the storm chaser roofers? Maybe your local guys are planning a 40 yr roof and the others aren't--just planning to replace with a matching roof rather than reroof; etc etc.

I would get 2 or 3 written estimates from reputable local companies, then call the insurance company to notify them that the payment made is not sufficient to cover the repairs. Your insurance company should cover the actual cost of repairs. You do not have to accept the amount they gave you if it is not enough.