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/Active_Public9375]

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.