Why 60-70% of Roof Claims Get Denied, and How Texas Homeowners Fight Back

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do 60 to 70 percent of roof insurance claims get denied?

Jasper Shin explains that insurers are incentivized not to pay, and they know most homeowners don't understand how to request a re-inspection without opening a new claim. Many homeowners also avoid filing altogether out of fear their rates will rise, even though carriers legally cannot raise rates for acts of God like hail, wind, tornadoes and hurricanes in a designated catastrophe area.

What is the three-reinspection rule Shin references?

Shin says homeowners legally have the right to three re-inspections within the same claim before having to open a new one. It is a professional way to disagree with an adjuster's ruling, avoid stacking multiple claims in your history, and get closer to approval without additional cost to the homeowner.

Why is putting solar on an older roof a problem?

According to Shin, if a roof is more than seven years old, homeowners should not be installing solar on it because they are essentially asking for leaks. He also notes that when solar companies go out of business, homeowners are left without service, though insurance will typically pay for detach-and-reset if ownership of the panels is documented.

What is an Xactimate supplement and why does it matter?

Xactimate is the third-party software insurance carriers use for fair-market pricing, and a supplement adds items the insurance originally missed. Shin says the average claim is short $3,000 to $5,000, and using the insurer's own Xactimate pricing has helped Texas Roof Guardians add $10,000, $15,000, even $30,000 to approved claims.

How can homeowners tell a legitimate local roofer from a storm chaser?

Shin recommends checking for manufacturer certification logos like GAF, Owens Corning or Atlas on the company's website, a local Google Business Profile, a legitimate website, and Better Business Bureau standing. He also suggests asking how long the company has been in business, since a 10-year labor warranty is meaningless from a contractor who has not been around that long.

What does the free biannual inspection subscription include?

Texas Roof Guardians offers a free subscription that uses an automated weather-monitoring system to alert the team when a storm hits a client's area. They then reach out to schedule an inspection and create timestamped photo documentation, which counters an insurer's common defense that damage is old or pre-existing wear and tear.

Why does the mortgage company end up on the insurance check?

Shin explains that with a replacement cost value policy, the insurer first deducts the deductible, then splits the remainder into an upfront payment and a depreciation holdback paid on the back end. The upfront check typically names the mortgage company, and each lender requires different documentation and mailing procedures, which is why Texas Roof Guardians helps homeowners navigate that release process.