As a seasoned roofer, I’ve seen my fair share of roofing challenges, and one that’s been troubling me lately is the growing trend of insurance companies denying coverage for asphalt shingle replacements. It’s a frustrating situation, to say the least, and one that’s leaving homeowners scratching their heads and wondering what’s going on.
The Denial Culture Creeps In
I’ve been in the roofing business for over a decade, and for the most part, working with insurance companies has been a relatively smooth process. But something seems to have shifted in the past year or so. I own a small roofing company, and during 2021, we didn’t do a single State Farm roof where the adjuster inspected the roof and authorized its replacement. The only State Farm roofs we did were the result of fierce negotiations and battles with the insurance provider over issues like uniform appearance, discontinued products, and appraisal discrepancies.
It’s not just us, either. I’ve heard rumblings that this denial culture has been spreading like wildfire across the industry. Apparently, a former Allstate executive who was known for their tough stance on claims has joined the ranks at State Farm, and they’re bringing that same denial-heavy approach with them. It’s almost comical the reasons they’re coming up with to deny these roof replacements.
Devaluing the Roof Replacement
But it’s not just the outright denials that are causing problems. Even when the insurance companies do agree to cover a roof replacement, they’re severely undervaluing the actual cost of the work. I remember the good old days when I’d submit an itemized estimate with material pricing from the manufacturer and a labor bid from our installer, and State Farm would generally pay those items and add on their overhead and profit.
Now, it’s a completely different story. If I submit a $12,000 materials estimate, a $5,000 labor bid, and $34,000 in overhead and profit, State Farm will come back with an $8,000 total. It’s downright comical the way they’re trying to lowball us on these roof replacements.
The Dwindling Value of Windows
And it’s not just the roof itself that’s being devalued – the same thing is happening with windows. In the past, when I’d submit a window replacement estimate with the actual material costs and our labor bid, State Farm would generally pay those items and add their overhead and profit. But now, they’re coming back with numbers that are woefully inadequate to cover the actual costs.
It’s a frustrating situation all around, and it’s leaving homeowners in a real bind. They’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, having to either accept the insurance company’s meager payout or dig deep into their own pockets to cover the full cost of the roof or window replacement.
Keeping Up Appearances
One of the other issues we’ve been running into is the insurance companies’ insistence on uniform appearance. If a homeowner’s roof has a discontinued shingle, they’ll often deny the claim, saying that they can’t match the existing shingles. It’s a ridiculous requirement, in my opinion, and it’s leaving homeowners with a patchwork of mismatched roofing that looks terrible.
Now, I get that insurance companies have a vested interest in keeping costs down, but at a certain point, they’re just being unreasonable. A roof is a critical component of a home, and it needs to be replaced when it’s reached the end of its lifespan, regardless of whether the shingles can be perfectly matched.
The Appeal of Composite Alternatives
One potential solution to this problem that I’ve been exploring is the use of composite roofing materials, like those made by DaVinci Roofscapes. These products are designed to mimic the look of natural slate and cedar shake, but they come with a host of benefits that make them a compelling alternative to traditional asphalt shingles.
For starters, they’re highly durable and long-lasting, with a Class A fire rating, a Class 4 impact rating, and a 110 mph wind rating. They also require minimal maintenance compared to natural slate or cedar shake, which can be prone to cracking, warping, and other issues over time.
But perhaps the most appealing aspect of these composite roofing materials is the fact that they’re color-fast. The color you choose is the color you keep, no matter how long the roof is in place. This could be a game-changer for homeowners who are tired of dealing with insurance companies’ stringent appearance requirements.
Exploring the Options
Of course, composite roofing isn’t the only alternative out there. There are also metal roofing systems, which can be a great choice for homeowners who want a durable, long-lasting roof that can withstand the elements. And for those who are really looking to make a statement, there are even stone-coated steel roofing options that can mimic the look of traditional tile or slate.
The key is to do your research and explore all of the options that are available to you. Talk to a reputable roofing contractor who can help you weigh the pros and cons of each material and come up with a solution that meets your needs and budget.
Fighting Back Against the Denial Culture
At the end of the day, I believe that homeowners deserve to have their roofs replaced when they need to be, regardless of what the insurance companies say. That’s why I’m committed to fighting back against this denial culture that seems to be taking hold across the industry.
I’m not going to roll over and accept the insurance companies’ lowball offers or their unreasonable appearance requirements. Instead, I’m going to advocate for my clients, pushing back on their denials and negotiating for fair and reasonable payouts. And I’m going to continue to explore alternative roofing materials like composites and metal that can help homeowners bypass the insurance companies’ stringent requirements.
It’s not going to be easy, and there’s certainly no guarantee that I’ll win every battle. But I’m determined to level the playing field and make sure that homeowners get the roof replacements they need, no matter what the insurance companies say. After all, a roof isn’t just a cosmetic feature – it’s a critical component of a home’s structural integrity, and it’s my job to make sure it’s properly protected.
So if you’re a homeowner who’s been dealing with these same roofing challenges, don’t lose hope. Keep pushing back, keep exploring your options, and don’t be afraid to fight for what’s right. Because at the end of the day, your roof is one of the most important investments you can make in your home, and it deserves to be treated with the respect and care it deserves.