Door Knocking Scripts That Actually Work
Openers, storm scripts, and objection handlers used by high-volume canvassing teams — plus the tracking habit that separates reps who sign from reps who just walk.
The 10-second opener (non-storm)
"Hey, I'll be quick — I'm [Name] with [Company]. We just did the roof at [neighbor's address / 'the gray house on the corner'], and while the crew's in the neighborhood I'm checking who else wants a free look at their roof before the season turns. Takes ten minutes, you get photos either way. Worst case you learn your roof's fine."
Why it works: Leads with the neighbor (social proof), gives a reason you're there today (crew in the area), and frames the ask as zero-risk information, not a sale.
The storm script (after verified hail/wind)
"Morning — [Name] with [Company]. You probably heard it: this area took [size]" hail on [date]. We're documenting damage on this street while the filing window's open. I can show you what [size]" hail does to shingles in about five minutes, and you'll get the photos for your records whether or not you ever call us. Mind if I take a look?"
Why it works: Specific storm facts (size + date) establish credibility instantly. Roofers using Rooftops AI pull the verified NWS report for the address before knocking — quoting the actual event beats 'there was a storm' every time.
The report-in-hand opener (highest conversion)
"Hi — [Name] with [Company]. Before I knocked I pulled your roof up on satellite — you've got about [X] squares up there, [pitch] pitch. Based on what hit this area on [date], roofs like yours are the ones insurance is approving. Want to see what I'm seeing? It's your roof — the report's yours either way."
Why it works: Knowing their square count before they open the door is a pattern interrupt nobody else on the street can match. An instant satellite report gives you the number in the driveway.
Objection: "I already have a roofer"
"That's great — keep them. I'm not asking you to switch; I'm offering a second set of eyes and free documentation. If your roofer's right that it's fine, my photos prove it. If they missed something, you'll want to know while the claim window's open. Either way you're better covered."
Why it works: Never attack the incumbent. Reframe as free verification — you win on the merits of the inspection.
Objection: "Not interested"
"Totally fair — one thing before I go: the filing deadline for the [date] storm is [window]. If you change your mind after that, insurance won't cover it. I'll leave my card with the storm date on the back. If a neighbor's roof gets approved, that's usually when folks call."
Why it works: Exit gracefully but plant the deadline. The callback rate on 'deadline + neighbor approval' framing is why storm reps leave cards with dates, not just numbers.
Objection: "Is this going to raise my rates?"
"Good question — weather claims are 'acts of God,' and in most states carriers can't single you out for filing one. Rates in hail markets move by ZIP code after a storm whether you file or not. The only person who loses by not filing is the homeowner who paid premiums and didn't use them."
Why it works: The rate fear is the real objection behind many 'not interesteds.' Answer it before they ask if the neighborhood took a big storm.
The habit that beats any script: track every door
Top canvassers don't just knock — they log every door: answered, no answer, follow up, signed, do not knock. The reason is simple math. At typical rates it takes 60–100 doors to sign a deal, and most signs come from the second or third touch — which only happens if you know which doors said "come back Saturday." A rep with a tracked territory out-signs a talented rep with a memory, every month.
Rooftops AI's door tracking is free — tap houses on the map, set statuses, add notes, and your follow-ups surface automatically. Teams get a shared territory map and a leaderboard that scores the whole pipeline, not just doors.
Knock with the roof report already in hand
Free door tracking, instant satellite measurements, and verified storm history for every address — the report-in-hand opener, operationalized.
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