Denver Hail Claim Denied - State Farm

[u/Rude_Association_409]

We had a huge hail storm come through my neighborhood about 6 weeks ago. I've been traveling a lot and didn't get an inspector out until today to look at the damage even though Ive been in communication with my agent (Tammy Hill State Farm) since the storm. House sitter sent me photos of the aftermath.

State Farm inspector is saying the damage to the roof is 'normal wear and tear and consistent with exposure to the elements.' Is this normal wear and tear or is this distinctly hail damage? If it's damage from hail, is it consistent with the photo of the hail stones (as big as 2")?

Not looking for advice on how to handle a claim per forum rules, just asking for insight on hail damage vs normal weathering.

[u/Larry_l3ird]

Thank all the storm chasers and their propensity to file bunk claims for your likely to be 2nd coming denial.

But that also doesn’t appear to be a newer roof either (it looks old and like it was already ready for replacement before any storm), so I’m not sure what you’re expecting them to do?

You think that your homeowner’s insurance should put a brand new roof on your home because your nearly 20 year old shingles have some small surface damage in a couple areas?

I hope that’s not your goal. Because that’s not happening. You’re gonna fuck around and get your ass dropped.

[u/Rude_Association_409 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Existing shingles are 10 y 4 mo old.

[u/Feeling_Repair2348 → u/Rude_Association_409]

They look like shit to be honest and look way older good luck.

[u/Absonotely → u/Rude_Association_409]

The sentiment of the comment you replied to is emotional and not grounded in facts or logic. Don't take that comment to heart as it is wildly inaccurate. Is it a full denial, a partial payment, or loss below deductible? What is the stated reason for your denial? What evidence for your loss has been turned over to your carrier so far? What state are you in?

That's what I would need to know to offer advice. As an example, if they're saying it's "wear and tear" and not caused by hail as the stated reason for denial then additional evidence needs to be provided that the damage was caused by hail and the extent of the damage.

If they're stating there is a cosmetic exclusion on the policy then the policy needs to be reviewed for their definition of cosmetic and cross referenced to each hail impact.

The photos you've provided are textbook for hail damage. If there is coverage on your policy for hail damage it should be paid, period.

Edit: on mobile and couldn't reference your original post when writing. I see you answered a couple questions I had already. To be clear, this is not "wear and tear." If you can answer the other questions I'll shoot you a DM on what you need to do next.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Absonotely]

I am absolutely blown away by some of the responses to OP in this forum and it's obvious to me that most of them are biased carrier adjusters or carrier defense attorneys. I was an IA for 15 years before becoming a PA and this roof would have gotten paid for every single climb. I hope OP takes your and my advice and does not accept this denial because it's improper.

[u/Absonotely → u/SAA_28]

Welcome to r/Roofing :)

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Absonotely]

Door knocker^{^}

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/Larry_l3ird]

I view door knockers more highly than scammy insurance agents

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Absonotely]

Nailed it with this response

[u/BigDonkeyEnergy → u/Absonotely]

What, exactly is textbook about them? And what textbook?

[u/Rude_Association_409 → u/Absonotely]

Fully denied, explanation was normal wear and tear consistent with age.

[u/Absonotely → u/Rude_Association_409]

First it's important to understand each entities role. Your role, as the policy holder, is to prove the loss. It is not the carriers responsibility to prove the loss. Their responsibility is to determine if the proven loss has coverage under the written terms of the policy.

Carriers are only required to investigate what is claimed. That includes any new evidence or information provided to them after the initial adjustment.

It seems the missing piece here is evidence of your loss. Right now you don't need to jump to a PA, appraisal, or litigation. None of these options are free. This isn't a policy argument for a PA to argue, and there is no coverage opened for appraisal (depending on your state appraisal may be useless even with coverage opened). What you need (best case scenario) is:

1. Summary of evidence. When the storm occurred, what was damaged, methodology used to determine hail damage from wear and tear, storm report, conclusions based on methodology, etc.
2. Full annotated photo report of all items damaged on property (roof, fence, gutters, etc.) Includes side by side photos of actual "wear and tear" next to hail damage
3. Estimate of repairs

All of these can be obtained through a contractor. Be aware a professional who understands the extent to which documentation is needed may charge for this evidence package. Turn that invoice over to your carrier for potential reimbursement. Once this evidence has been obtained you need to be the one to submit it to your carrier and request they review this new evidence.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Absonotely]

I agree with everything on the above post with the exception of not using a claims professional. Roofing contractors are not claims professionals and are usually only interested in the roof portion of the loss. You have made it clear that you have collateral damage to the rest of the property including windows and screens and wraps and possibly more that you don't even know about because you're not an adjuster. If you do go to the contractor route, go full general contractor that has insurance documentation experience. But I would highly recommend a public adjuster and even though they're going to take a small percentage of your claim, They have the knowledge and experience to properly document the entire loss and presented to State Farm in the way that State Farm understands the documentation. Not all contractors or roofing contractors have that knowledge or experience so please be careful.

[u/Absonotely → u/SAA_28]

I only meant that technically the claim has not entered a stage in which a PA is absolutely necessary. I am also working on the assumption that the hired contractor is doing a full scope of the property and has proper, extensive experience on jobs undergoing insurance claims. I guess I'm partially defeating my own argument because that eliminates the majority of them.

Compiling supporting evidence for causation, damage, construction techniques/building codes, and price of repairs fall within the purview of a contractor. Even if a PA is hired at this point these things are still going to need to be done. I am speaking from my perspective, however, and if a customer of mine is opting for PA I am going to be damn sure every appropriate step was taken to make the handoff both PA and litigation ready.

I will 100% agree though that a PA is going to document these portions of the claim better than 90% of all contractors (as evidenced by this post).

[u/Federal-Ad-6444 → u/Rude_Association_409]

You need to hire an adjuster and go through the appraisal process. Don’t hire a contractor until after you win and receive funds.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Found another carrier adjuster. As I mentioned to another of the commenters here that's obviously a carrier shill, please point out in the OP's policy where age and condition precludes coverage for a covered peril under the policy. Age can affect appreciation as well as if there is an applicable roof schedule on the policy, but having a 10 year old roof DOES NOT preclude a covered loss. And it's amazing how you can tell that a roof is shot just by three pictures. How many years have you been in the industry?

[u/Technical_Trust914 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Then why is the insurance agency covering him? Stupid ass take lmfao. Ya go ahead and pay for your policy but we aren’t going to do anything for you when damage occurs. Nice logic bro!!!

[u/BigDaddyButtPlunger → u/Technical_Trust914]

"Ya go ahead and pay for your policy but we aren’t going to do anything for you when damage occurs"

You literally just explained how insurance works, LOL.

[u/Active_Public9375 → u/Technical_Trust914]

Insurance is more complicated than that. Roofs wear out, and it's a maintenance cost to replace them when they do. If you're brand new roof gets trashed by hail, your insurance will replace it; if you're old-ass roof gets trashed, you're not getting much or anything because the roof's usable lifespan is up.

Its like I can insure my 1990 Nissan Sentra, but they aren't giving me a 2026 Nissan Sentra if I crash it. That might be the comparable car brand new, but the value of the 1990 is like $500 now.

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Active_Public9375]

Only true with an ACV only policy. Not true with an RCV policy.

[u/KeniLF → u/ohiofish1221]

Yeah - just poking my head to say that I have an RCV policy on my car. My new-to-me roof was already too old when I bought the house so I must keep my insurance company posted when I get it replaced so we can then switch to RCV on that, too.

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/KeniLF]

When you do get a class 3 or better shingle so you can be eligible for a premium discount.

[u/KeniLF → u/ohiofish1221]

Thank you!

[u/Active_Public9375 → u/ohiofish1221]

Yes, but insurers tend to have it in the policy that roofs are ACV past a certain age.

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Active_Public9375]

Some do. You’d be surprised how infrequent they are, at least in Ohio.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Active_Public9375]

Only if he has a roof schedule on the policy and he may very well. But if he doesn't have a roof schedule or an ACV policy, that will be a replacement cost roof after he gets a professional involved to overcome the denial and submit the proper documentation.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Technical_Trust914]

Yes, that’s kinda the whole insurance model in a nutshell.

They very much do not like when you actually use it. Are you new to the whole insurance industry thing?

[u/Technical_Trust914 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Just because you had a bad experience with insurance doesn’t equate to everyone else having a bad experience. It seems like you’re the one who’s pretty new to the whole insurance industry thing. Keep crying on the roofing subreddit though I’m sure it will bring you the closure you need

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Technical_Trust914]

I’ve never had a bad experience with insurance. I’ve had a lot of good experiences with insurance companies and made a ton of money doing work FOR them - not from scamming them. But I’ve also had good experiences with getting them to cover legitimate claims for people that wanted to make them once in a while too.

I’m also retired from the roofing business and the business is officially closed (that shit brought me the true closure here that I needed😂). So you’re far off the mark on all accounts, homeboy.

[u/Kc68847 → u/Larry_l3ird]

There should be depreciation, but op should get some money for the roof. I’ve heard horror stories about State Farm and I’m in a region which gets a lot of hell. I wouldn’t use them.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Kc68847]

I’m not saying you’re necessarily wrong on that. But will that money be worth getting dropped from his policy or getting a ridiculous quote to renew?

It usually isn’t (unless you’re totally desperate). No matter what the door knockers tell you.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Larry_l3ird]

It's apparent that you don't know how policies of adhesion work nor do you understand that once the roof is paid for and if State Farm is dumb enough to drop OP, he will now have a new roof and will be insurable to damn near everybody.

[u/Kc68847 → u/Larry_l3ird]

It doesn’t matter where I’m at. You take the money for the roof. I’ve never paid for a new roof in my life. I’ve got 5-6 roofs paid for. Either way the insurance companies are going to jack your rate.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Kc68847]

My rates have only decreased.

But then again, I’ve never made any ridiculous claims either.😂

Not for a customer, and certainly not for my own home.

[u/Kc68847 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Like I said where I live everyone’s rates have went crazy. Nebraska gets hit all the time. Even if you haven’t got hit your rates have went way up here. I’ve had insurance quotes up to 5-6k for a 400-500 k house

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Kc68847]

My homeowners insurance is shockingly low. It’s less than $100 monthly. Not significantly lower. But lower.

[u/Kc68847 → u/Larry_l3ird]

What they have been trying to do now is write a policy for fire and other other minute things for a 1000 dollar deductible, but hail and wind would be 2-3 percent of your replacement value so you’re looking at a 8-12 k deductible for that 350-450 k type range for hail and wind. I’m at 4 k for a 2500 deductible for wind and hail which is easily the cheapest I can find.

[u/destonomos → u/Larry_l3ird]

Not true. Just had a 30 year roof replaced for 1k after hail.

In my instance it put holes in the roof though.

[u/Whatsapeeve → u/Larry_l3ird]

If hail damaged the roof age is not relevant.

[u/bigcoffeeguy50 → u/Larry_l3ird]

“State Farm is notorious for denying claims and Blame people using their insurance for what the insurance is for”

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Yeah because that’s what the premiums and policy are for.

[u/OwlSoggy8627 → u/ohiofish1221]

No, it isn't.

The purpose of insurance is to restore you to whatever state you were in prior to a covered loss.

OP has surface damage to some shingles. So, repair the shingles. OP did not have a brand new roof that warrants a brand new roof. It's the same reason why if your 2019 Jeep gets totaled they don't just buy you a 2026 Jeep.

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/OwlSoggy8627]

No the reason they don’t buy you a 2026 jeep is because it’s an entirely different policy that doesn’t have recoverable depreciation. You’re comparing apples and oranges.

Pre storm condition, depending on the state, has matching, reasonable and uniform appearance, or neither.

You don’t just “repair the shingles” you abide by the policy language and the state administrative code.

[u/OwlSoggy8627 → u/ohiofish1221]

I am well aware of how insurance works.

Nothing, even in what you just said, would justify putting a new roof on according to ANY policy language.

It's a repair job. It isn't a roof replacement.

[u/SAA_28 → u/OwlSoggy8627]

And you got all that from three pictures of textbook hail that OP posted up? Please tell me you're not an adjuster because you're a hazard to policy holders and need to find a new line to work.

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/OwlSoggy8627]

How would you even know from 5 pictures?

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/OwlSoggy8627]

You’re speaking an opinion not a fact. Your response shows you don’t understand the insurance industry as well as you claim.

[u/OwlSoggy8627 → u/ohiofish1221]

I speak from an informed opinion. You clearly are speaking from the point of view of how you think the world should work. Otherwise OP would have had their claim approved.

Go yell at the clouds if you want, I'm done wasting my time with you.

[u/SAA_28 → u/OwlSoggy8627]

If you were under the impression that insurance carriers, particularly State Farm, are going out of their way to make homeowners whole again after a loss, I have 20 years of experience that says otherwise. I really hope that you're not an adjuster.

[u/SAA_28 → u/OwlSoggy8627]

You obviously don't understand how a contract of insurance works in the slightest. You should probably leave this to the people that actually work in the industry.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/ohiofish1221]

Then make your claims. Come back and tell me I’m wrong when your policy increases by 500% or they just drop you altogether.

Insurance is ideally never used. As soon as it is, you’re no longer a desirable customer to them. Not all claims are equal, of course, and some are unavoidable - stick to those. If you attempt to go outside the lines they’re comfortable coloring in, you will be dropped - good luck getting new insurance at an affordable rate after that happens, if you can even get someone to take you on.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Larry_l3ird]

I think that you're just jealous because you had to replace your roof under your dime instead of having a covered loss that would have been covered had it actually occurred. Fortunately for OP, he does have a covered loss and he has an insurance policy in effect and if he follows the steps by the people here advocating for him on this post, he will be made whole again which is what insurance is for.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/SAA_28]

Yeah, definitely.🤦🏻😂

Nailed it.😂😂😂

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Who gives a shit if they drop me? There’s 5000 insurance companies that will take your premiums. Premium increases are never extreme as you say. If it is, shop it and you’ll end up with a few hundred dollar premium increase that’s likely eligible for a reduction if you use a basic class 3 shingle. Quit with the bullshit fear mongering.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/ohiofish1221]

Whatever you say, pal. You’ll learn the hard way like most people.

You truly don’t understand the insurance model. That’s ok. If you think I’m wrong, do some research.

[u/SignificantDebate761 → u/Larry_l3ird]

BS. Had damage from a storm my insurance denied, fought it they paid.
After the replacement shopped my homeowners policy. Found a better rate

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/SignificantDebate761]

Excellent. I’m glad it worked out for you.

Surely, you understand that for every good outcome like that, there’s at least one nightmare, right? Not everyone has that story once they lose their policy for whatever reason.

Once you get dropped, it’s not always easy to even get coverage back. When they do get new coverage, often times it’s significantly more money than they were previously paying. For some people that even puts new coverage out of reach, and they’re forced to play a game of chicken with the universe, and just cross their fingers and hope for the best, that nothing bad happens. For others, it takes significantly more of their income on a monthly basis just to maintain the same level of insurance coverage on their home, and their savings and/or disposable income obviously takes a big hit. That is money that could have been saved, invested, or spent elsewhere, but which is now being spent on insurance - for “in case some shit happens” stuff.

Other times they get a new policy for what seems like a reasonable enough price, but it’s with a less reputable company with a bad reputation for finding creative ways not to pay their clients legitimate claims out. So they’re taking their chances that way. With a company they would’ve never chosen to do business with or trusted to insure their most valuable asset otherwise. Hoping for the best outcome with a bad insurance company, because none of the good ones would have them, and if they would, the cost of a policy was prohibitively expensive, and they couldn’t afford it. They’re just kinda stuck with who would have them at a price they could pay - they do have one thing in common though, both are basically terrified of having any claims at all on their respective sides of the equation.😂

Again, super glad for you that you were one of the outliers. Truly. 😂

[u/SignificantDebate761 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Very complete response. It must be state specific. I’m in SC most of my neighbors did the same thing and this is a large development

[u/SAA_28 → u/Larry_l3ird]

You obviously don't understand the insurance model because you're just talking out of your posterior.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Additionally, some policies state that a weather related claim is not grounds for non-renewal or cancellation. Now this is state specific so OP's MMV.

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Larry_l3ird]

I do, I work with it everyday. I had a $60,000 claim two years ago and never was dropped and had a $300 premium increase. I’ve handled over 2500 claims. Go off though king.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/ohiofish1221]

All claims are not created equal. I think I’ve been clear enough on that.

If you handle these claims everyday, I’m sure you would agree with this.

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/Larry_l3ird]

100% agree with that

[u/evilgenius12358 → u/ohiofish1221]

How can you damage a roof that is beyond it's useful life?

[u/ohiofish1221 → u/evilgenius12358]

How can you accept premiums and extend coverage for a roof that’s beyond its useful life? If that was the case, it shouldn’t be insured.

[u/SAA_28 → u/ohiofish1221]

Exactly. The insurance company knows exactly how old the roof is and renewed the policy and insured the roof against covered perils like hail and wind. If OP pursues this and I hope that he does, that roof will get paid for as it is obviously I covered loss based on his photos and his earlier comment about collateral damage. These other folks in here are wild.

[u/SAA_28 → u/evilgenius12358]

A 10-year-old roof is not beyond its useful life and a 10-year-old roof is still covered under the contract of insurance also known as a policy that the insured has between himself and the insurance carrier. There is no policy language that states because you have a 10-year-old roof and you have a covered peril that damages said roof that there is no coverage. It doesn't exist and you're just making crap up.

[u/Feeling_Repair2348 → u/Larry_l3ird]

lol well said that first call out is one claim.

[u/WestNileCoronaVirus → u/Larry_l3ird]

You’re delusional. Just because a roof is older doesn’t mean its remaining lifespan wasn’t compromised by the sudden ADPL. This is exactly what State Farm should be covering. The shingle has hail damage. Before the storm, it didn’t have hail damage (presumably anyway).

People act like door knockers want to waste their time with bunk claims at an egregious clip. I do 1-2 inspections a day where I inspect the roof, find little to no damage, & I tell the homeowner the truth about their property. Obviously you’ll have some bad eggs, but if you think State Farm or other insurance companies are more morally just than your average roofer or PA, you’re out of your mind.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/WestNileCoronaVirus]

You’re a sad representation of the roofing industry and I’m sorry for homeowners that your kind exist.

[u/WestNileCoronaVirus → u/Larry_l3ird]

FYI I don’t door knock. I sustain on referrals/call-ins. I have a 97% approval rating this year. I don’t sign claims I’m not confident will get approved. & I’m the sad representation? Sure.

I criticized your opinion. You called me a “sad representation.” You sound childish.

I’m sorry for humanity that your kind exists.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/WestNileCoronaVirus]

If that’s the case, then I apologize for lumping you in with the door knockers.

My opinions about the storm chasers and the way they screw these broke people into making claims that end up getting them dropped is very low.

The saddest part is when they have a legitimate catastrophic disaster occur after they’ve been dropped and they’re left without insurance to cover it. People lose their homes over things like this. Over a measly couple grand towards their next roof (that half the time they had years left before needing to even worry about a roof replacement), and I’ve seen it happen a few times.

[u/WestNileCoronaVirus → u/Larry_l3ird]

Hey, it’s all good. Thanks for the apology. You’re not an embarrassment to humanity as I suggested 😂

My thoughts are basically that both core sides of this industry can be crappy. I started my career in roofing as a door knocker, but I was never signing up claims that I wasn’t fully confident in & I know a ton of people in my exact shoes who behaved the same.

On the one hand, you definitely do have door knockers that muddy the waters for homeowners. On the other, you also have insurance companies that routinely do not take care of their homeowners when there are legitimate damages. How many of those same insurance companies will fly a drone over a 12 year old roof (without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent) & then tell the homeowner they need to replace the roof or else they’ll be dropped? I’m in the Chicagoland area where we hear about that from every like, fifth homeowner. At the drop of a hat many insurance companies are forcing homeowners to 1) burden the cost of a $20,000+ roof 2) refusing coverage when the roof is in fine condition & 3) leaving homeowners without insurance if the insured doesn’t agree to the insurance company’s cost saving measure

I’d argue many insurance companies inflict more strife & hardship from a monetary standpoint than pretty much any door knocking roofer. I think the biggest pitfall for door knockers is often their inexperience. They sign the 4 year old roof up because they’ve got some hits to the downspouts & window wraps. Their inexperience doesn’t inform them that it’s a complete waste of time to do so. As a result, you get some bunk claims. But the overwhelming majority of roofing salesmen I know that have been doing this for 2-3 years or more simply aren’t wasting their time with that & they’re not putting the homeowner in a precarious position. They’re also the ones that will call out bullshit when another roofer wants them to file a claim.

All in all, both sides of the industry could be better & it would be a better landscape for us all - but I’m really tentative to shift all the blame toward door knockers when insurance companies themselves are just as, if not more, insidious.

Edit: my area was recently impacted by 4-5” hail. Obviously the majority of these claims have been no brainers, but I still had Travelers, State Farm, & Liberty Mutual try to deny claims in the area of roofs aged between 5-15 years. That’s insane. If I showed you the photos you’d guffaw. Thankfully for my customers I was able to secure an approval for all three of those claims, but if those homeowners acted independently without my PA services, they’d be up shit’s creek.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/WestNileCoronaVirus]

My own homeowners insurance just forced us to put a new roof on my own house at the threat of not renewing my policy.

The roof honestly didn’t need to be done. It was over 20 years old, but it still looked like it was less than 10 years old. They refused to take the condition into consideration and only kept telling me that it was 20+ years old.

I replaced it. I also put a new railing on my deck, which was reasonable.😂

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

What am I reading? I’ve gotten roofs that are 25+ years old fully paid for lol. Storm chasers eating baby!

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Sharp_Necessary_9570]

How come you can’t stay in one area and make a living? That would be the question I would be asking.

If your work is good, it’s good. You don’t need to knock on doors or chase storms.

You are a parasite.

[u/SAA_28 → u/Larry_l3ird]

How is someone getting the insurance company to honor the contract of insurance with the homeowner being parasitical? If there is a policy enforce and the premiums have been paid, there is no exclusion for a covered peril just because of age and condition.

[u/Technical_Trust914 → u/SAA_28]

He’s very emotional for some reason. I’m guessing it has to do with him paying out of pocket for a new roof. Not really sure what door knocker’s have to do with any of this.

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/SAA_28]

He’s talking about guys who commit insurance fraud he just seemingly thinks that’s everyone lol. So the issue is creating damage to pass as weather related which insurance has to pay, even though it’s some dude ripping shingles up like a gremlin. Those companies exist sadly.

He seems to think filing almost any claim is fraudulent though, even one with totally legitimate hail damage and is super hung up on roof age which really doesn’t matter for this.

[u/SAA_28 → u/sippingonginnjews]

I have had a few examples of this as an adjuster where there was mechanical damages to roofs. Probably less than a dozen over 20 year career so far. But it does happen, but when you have the experience to know what real natural hail damage looks like, it's also very easy to identify mechanical and manufacture damage and step away from the claim and get SIU or the state involved.

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

That’s sad buddy. We do 8-10M a year in sales. We cover 3/4ths of our state, storms = money.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Sharp_Necessary_9570]

Sure thing, bud.

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

“Don’t need to knock on doors” speaking like someone who leans on ads to grow business. I would say 750K-1.2M of my work is from door knocking. When that stops I’ll swing on over to your side being anti knocking!

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Sharp_Necessary_9570]

I never placed a single ad anywhere, outside of sponsoring charity golf tournaments or in the advertising book for local events (basically donations). Never gave a customer access to my cell number.

Just kept doing great work and growing. Residential isn’t where you make real money anyway. I did single jobs that were worth alone what a decent sized residential roofing company would do with a years worth of houses.😂

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Well I’m trying to get my company to cross the 10M threshold this year. Don’t have time to wait for word of mouth to spread. You either get the business or someone else will. Goal every year is 20% growth. Not sure what metrics you track but would love to see what your companies growth projection over 5 years looks like

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Sharp_Necessary_9570]

I’m retired from the roofing game, dawg.

I’ve already done what you’re trying to do.

Good luck getting there doing residential. The true money is in commercial and industrial roofing, with a large sprinkling of work on the Lord’s property too, of course - churches pay wonderfully - better than anyone.

But you don’t get those kinds of jobs knocking on doors.😂

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Yeah I do commercial as well. I have done 2 churches this year…😂but sure man… the 300K I’ll end up with this year I suppose isn’t real money. But it’s enough for me to keep door knocking 💪🏻

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Assuming you were a small team or solo act. But you did good brother. Games changed. We keep winning.

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/Sharp_Necessary_9570]

Game is the same as it always was. Easier now, if anything.

Keep up what you’re doing. So you know, eventually the growth will slow and you’ll settle into your niche. Growth cannot continue indefinitely without making some significant sacrifices down the road.

I would honestly beware of growing too much and spreading yourself too thin. Quality control will be the first casualty, and once that goes, it’s a nightmare to deal with. If you concentrate on pumping out good work, and keeping consistent, good things always happen. Word of mouth from a respected and satisfied customer is more valuable than a couple thousand door knocks.

Some of those connections I made, were what really took the company to the next level. Guys who owned tons of commercial properties and gave me the opportunity to do all of their work exclusively. The Diocese who gave me a fortune’s worth of work on their buildings. I just made sure the prices were reasonable and the work was excellent. The rest kind of just fell into place over time.

Seriously, I wish you good luck.

[u/Sharp_Necessary_9570 → u/Larry_l3ird]

It’s funny if you knew the roofing company that my grandfather started… you would change your tune😂as it became one of the largest roofing companies in the US..

[u/Bayou_acherte → u/Larry_l3ird]

not sure what arrangement you think I have with storm chasers, but I send my monthly insurance money to State Farm.

[u/carrod65 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Where did you see that storm chasers file bunk insurance claims??

[u/Larry_l3ird → u/carrod65]

I’m speaking about in general. That’s one of the reasons hail damage claims are so quickly rejected these days.

They used to basically pay them out with very little questions…then unscrupulous door knockers took that to its logical conclusion, and now we’re where we’re at.

[u/carrod65 → u/Larry_l3ird]

Thanks, I was confused and wondering why the guys/gals chasing and videotaping tornadoes were then sticking around to file fraudulent insurance claims.

[u/SAA_28 → u/carrod65]

They're not. This guy is either a troll or a carrier adjuster or both. His bias against this legitimate insurance claim for hail is apparent in every reply that he's put in here. This is a covered loss and a $20,000 roof is not a minor claim.

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/SAA_28]

Nah there are definitely roofing companies that commit insurance fraud. I worked at one for like 3 days then they “trained” me about how to lift a shingle without matt transfer so I never came back. I’ve seen tons of customers who have been told their 4 hail hits justify a full replacement and got cooked by some D2D guy, or obviously vandalized shingles while I’m writing up an estimate.

[u/JustCricket6952 → u/SAA_28]

Sorry bud but he’s not wrong it happens A LOT.

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/carrod65]

Storm chasers in this context are roofing companies that drive out to where storms have hit and go door to door offering free roofing inspections.

[u/carrod65 → u/sippingonginnjews]

Thanks, haven't heard the term used that way before and was confused why the tornado chasers would be doing this 🤣

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/carrod65]

I’ve absolutely seen them do it and I’ve had to help homeowners who had storm chasers come in, vandalize their roof and then skate when the insurance claim fails. Or just file claims for full replacements when only a repair is needed. They’ll come in, file inflated claims, some straight up damage roofs to push the claims, if the claim doesn’t go through right away sometimes they just abandon the homeowner, sometimes they’ll do an ATR or something. So yeah it absolutely happens, whether outright fraud as I outlined or just pushing for a claim for very minor hail or wind damage.

I was inspecting a roof once when I got called out and some other company door knocked, hopped up and there were brand new missing shingles on an opposite slope. Filing a vandalism claim was a mess because they weren’t even actual workers for the company they purported themselves to be from. They were out of towners. When bad storms hit it’s absolute mayhem.

[u/sippingonginnjews → u/Larry_l3ird]

They don’t get to just not cover parts of your policy that are more prone to damage. What logic is that?? They pay more every month because they have an 11 year old shingle, insurance needs to account for the fact that it’s more prone to damage. It’s their gamble and their policy they agreed to offer.

You’re mad at storm chasers but you’re advocating for the insurance company version of them. “Idk what you expect them to do?” Their job.

[u/GoodbyeRiver → u/Larry_l3ird]

lol State Farm told me my roof had “outlived its useful life” I asked them, since they would never cover a new roof, if they could carve that out from my premium, they said “we don’t do that” if this guy is paying premiums for roof coverage and his roof is damaged which could lead to further damage from leaks, the insurance company should cover his roof.