During the derecho that brought 100 MPH gust to the Houston area a few weeks ago, I lost a good amount of my roofing shingles. 3 large sections completely blew off and I was picking up shingles all over my block.
I submitted a claim with my insurance company, State Farm. They sent a 3rd party adjuster out because it is a steep roof. I talked to the adjuster before he left and he said “I obviously can’t speak for State Farm, but this should be a total loss.”
Today, the person handling my claim got with me to inform me that it wasn’t a total loss. Approximately 30 shingles blew off and I needed all of my ridge vent replaced. Their estimate was for $2400, which is under my deductible. He also said that they typically only call it a total loss if more than 50% of the roof is missing.
Does this seem reasonable? I understand that they are only responsible for what is damaged. But from my perspective, it seems unreasonable to spend $2400 fixing an 1800 sqft roof, when the roof is older and could be replaced for around $7500.
Any advice or perspective would be much appreciated.
Posted by athollywood
6 Comments
Every claim is different, so that’s why an adjuster reviews it. There’s a lot of info that would go into making a coverage decision.
Is the damage on all one slope? Is the damage limited to a certain area/patch? Or spread evenly over multiple areas? Is your coverage ACV or RCV? Do you have any roof loss limitations on your policy? What was the age and condition of the roof prior to the loss? Are there any matching clause or statutes to consider?
So replace it, and stop crying.
It’s not their job to do it.
There are only responsible for the 30 shingles, and the ridge vent.
I’m a State Farm agent. Here’s how’d I’d help my customer:
1. My agency encourages customers to use us a a resource. We can sometimes (most of the time) communicate more effectively with claims than a customer can.
2. The policy only owes for what’s damaged. If you have more shingles that were damaged apart from the ones that blew off, then have your roofer provide photo evidence. Those pics could be sent in by you via the app or your agent can attach them to the claim. The photos will need to show where the shingles are broken, etc.
3. Ask for the roofer and the adjuster to meet at the house so they can look at it together.
4. I’m not in TX, but depending on the state, SF Homeowners policies provide for a uniform look across an entire slope (this may be a state specific insurance statute as well).
Like most companies, State Farm has gotten strict on roof claims. But believe it or not, the company reiterates to the agency force time and time again “we maintain committed to paying what we owe and honoring our promise to our customers.”
If the rest of the roof is not damaged and still functions correctly…then all you’re getting paid for is the part that was damaged.
Best of luck.
Your policy pays for the damage done to the roof by the storm.
Your policy does not pay for the normal wear and tear that occurs over time.
Your insurance policy is not meant to cover maintenance.
Roofing companies are notorious for getting policy holders to file a claim hoping they can get you to hire them for a new roof and the insurance to pay for it. Many times they do not distinguish between old wear and tear and damage from the storm. All they care about is that your roof has reached the point it needs to be replaced. They figure they will get their money from insurance or from you. It does not matter which to them.
I always recommend to my clients to get at least two estimates and ask some really tough questions to each roofer. Then talk to my office so we can provide guidance to them on whether or not to file a claim.
You’re in a sucky position. The claim will not pay out anything because your deductible is more than the damage by the storm. Just pay for a new roof yourself as soon as you can. Get multiple estimates!
Then notify your insurance company once the roof has been replaced. It might actually help your insurance rate. That would also be a good time to discuss your deductible with them to see what is best for your personal situation.
In the independent agent world, we call that getting State Farm’d.
Get more inspections done and see how many agree that it’s a loss vs you fixing it. Find an adjuster, they’ll come out as well and do an inspection and if they think you have a case they’ll deal with the insurance. There are roofers who are honest and will give you an honest opinion while some want to make $. Often insurance companies will find ways to deny and you have two options accept or keep on fighting.