Do out-of-state storm chasers need a Maryland MHIC license?

Short answer. Yes. Out-of-state contractors are not exempt, so a contractor from another state needs an MHIC license to work in Maryland. Homeowners should verify the license, look for a local address, and insist on a complete written contract.

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

After the storm, out-of-state contractors are canvassing neighborhoods, knocking on doors, offering 'free inspections' and signing people up for insurance-funded roof replacements. Most don't have Maryland MHIC licenses.

A homeowner asks if these storm chasers are legitimate.

Correct
Out-of-state contractors are NOT exempt from MHIC licensing requirements. A contractor from Pennsylvania working in Maryland needs an MHIC license. 'Storm chaser' outfits that canvas after disasters are a known problem: they sign contracts (often door-to-door without proper cancellation notices), collect insurance proceeds, do substandard work, and disappear across state lines. Homeowners should: verify MHIC license, check for local address, demand written contracts with all required elements, and never sign at the door during an emergency.
Missed opportunity
A homeowner asking YOUR advice is an opportunity to educate and build trust. Unlicensed storm chasers hurt the entire industry — they do bad work, collect insurance money, and disappear, leaving homeowners with no recourse and making all contractors look bad. Educating consumers about MHIC verification protects them AND protects legitimate licensed contractors like you.

Do out-of-state storm chasers need a Maryland MHIC license?

Work it through

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