How to avoid roofing scams after storms in Western New York
Be wary of anyone who knocks unsolicited after a storm. Verify a local address, insurance and any required license, such as Buffalo's contractor license, and get a written contract. In New York, roofers cannot require a deposit, cannot offer to cover your deductible and cannot negotiate your insurance claim. Never pay cash up front.[1][2][3][4]
Escrow or bond: deposits must be held in a New York escrow account within five business days, and you must be told where within ten business days, unless the contractor posts a bond.[8]
No required deposit for roofing. A roofer may bill for materials on delivery, with the cost disclosed in writing, and bill the rest on completion.[3]
No deductible rebates and no claim adjusting by roofers.[3]
Insurance-denial cancellation: you can cancel an insurance-funded roofing contract within three business days of written notice that the claim isn't covered.[3]
Insurance proof: roofers must show workers' compensation (or a CE-200) and liability certificates.[3]
Pay safely
Pay by credit card or check, never by wire, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or cash.[4]
Never make the final payment until the work is done and you're satisfied.[4][5]
Never sign your insurance check over to a contractor. Ask your bank about a Certificate of Completion so it pays the contractor stage by stage after your approval.[4]
If you have a mortgage, your bank may also be named on insurance checks, so agree with it on how the money will be used.[9]
Verify before you sign: a five-minute checklist
Confirm a name, street address and phone number you can verify.[1]
Is it illegal for a roofer to waive my deductible in New York?
Yes. General Business Law section 771-b bars roofing contractors from advertising or promising to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible, including through discounts or gifts.
How much deposit can a roofer ask for in New York?
A roofing contractor cannot require a deposit. Under section 771-b, the roofer may invoice for materials once they are delivered, with the cost disclosed in writing in advance, and bill the rest on completion.
Can I cancel a roofing contract in New York?
Yes. You can cancel a home improvement contract in writing until midnight of the third business day after signing. For insurance-funded roofing jobs, you can also cancel within three business days of written notice that the claim is not covered.
Are out-of-town roofers always scammers?
No, but Erie County warns that non-local storm chasers can be hard to track down if work goes wrong. Verify a local address, insurance, any required license and references before signing.
Sources retrieved October 16–17, 2026. Cost figures are published national averages, not quotes and not WNY-specific. This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice.
Talk to a local roofer
Get itemized written quotes from contractors who know Western New York winters.