The state is warning Hawaii homeowners to be wary of anyone offering free inspections of damage caused by Tropical Storm Darby.

State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito said Tuesday that so-called “storm chasers” have become prevalent in Hawaii in recent years. They go door to door to give advice on homeowners’ insurance policies. Some are unlicensed or working with a licensed contractor that does not regularly do business here.

The state began receiving complaints about storm chasers in 2012 following a hailstorm in Windward Oahu, he said, adding that some might claim homeowners need repairs even if there’s no real damage to the property.

“After events there’s a group of contractors that go around — some are licensed, some are not,” Ito said. “Because Florida hasn’t had a hurricane in 10 years, they’ve been migrating across country, and unfortunately they’re in Hawaii.”

Ito is urging consumers to contact the Insurance Division at 586-2790 if approached by someone seeking to repair homes, file claims or negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a homeowner. Insurance adjusters must be licensed in Hawaii.

The state also is advising against authorizing contractors to perform work in exchange for insurance money, or agreeing to the work whether or not it’s covered by an insurance policy. Homeowners also should contact their insurance company to find out how to file a claim, and get at least three estimates from licensed contractors.