Local contractors say Thursday's storms across Kentuckiana could have caused roof damage, spawned scams

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thursday's storms left a mark on properties across Kentuckiana.

Hail that measured close to the size of a baseball in some places damaged cars and houses, leaving some people wondering what their next move should be.

"Constant bombardment of loud noises, sounded like gun shots, it just never ended. I haven't been in the military but it's as close to war as ... probably war gets," Jacob Curtsinger of Boston, Kentucky, said.

With visible damage to his car, he said, "The back glass, the front glass, it's got several different big cracks in it, all the way down to the corner panels to the roof, to the hood."

Curtsinger has lived in Boston all 32 years of his life and this isn't his first rodeo.

"One hailstorm before this maybe five, six or eight years ago. It didn't do near the damage. Maybe 15 or 20 years ago we saw softball size hail," he said.

Curtsinger believes his home is OK, but because of his car and past experiences, he contacted his insurance company.

"Immediately, once I realized I had hail damage to my car. I got online, I got on the app, filed a claim and now I'm waiting," he said.

WDRB News spoke with a local roofing contractor who said anyone impacted by the high winds and hail may want to check for damage.

HKC Roofing and Construction recommends homeowners call a local contractor to check their roof. The contractor will assess the damage and recommend whether or not their insurance company should be called.

Experts are also warning about the possibility for scammers.

"We see it all the time, you know, where they pay their deductible up front and then they never see that guy ever again, and they just run off with their deductible," said Jeff Kennedy, general manager of HKC.

The Better Business Bureau said any business looking to offer their services must be licensed. Businesses can be verified through the Kentucky Attorney General's Office at 502-696-5300 or by calling the Revenue Commission at 502-564-4860.

In some areas, the BBB said door-to-door salespeople are required to have a solicitation permit. To verify a salesperson has a permit, the BBB said to call your local Township or Municipality or by calling Permits and Licensing at 502-574-3321.

Homeowners should also be wary of unethical roofing contractors who may create damage to get work by being mindful of who you let inspect your roof, the BBB said.

The organization also said homeowners should try to get at least three to four quotes from contractors before getting any work done. Officials also said not to pay for a job in advance and to be wary of any contractor demanding full or half payment beforehand.

For more tips from the BBB, click here.

Roof damage is the most common after a hail storm. Repairs can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the size of a home.

Things you can do before hail starts to fall: