Trying to decide whether to file a roof claim with State Farm, when policy has an error on it

[RoldGold]

Hello all.

In 2023, I had a hail storm come through and cause some damage to our roof. As a new homeowner I thought nothing of the hail storm, until recently when I had a roofer come out and identify some damage caused by the hail.

At the time, I was insured by State Farm, and I am wrestling with whether to file a claim now. I am no longer with State Farm, by the way, but I believe there is a 2 year statute of limitations for claims. The issue is that my policy with SF, at the time, had my roof age listed as being installed in 2022. This is not correct, and I presume that the agent entered it because I told them that I did not know the age of the roof (which is true - though I now believe it to be installed in 2011 based on some permit applications I uncovered).

So, in short, I'm wondering if anyone has any insight here. I'm really not sure if filing the claim with SF and potentially getting it denied due to the age discrepancy is worth the risk. The only quote I have for the roof replacement (I intend to get more quotes), is a back-of-napkin estimate of 18-25k. Thanks!

[mchampse]

Talk to your Statefarm agent. The nice thing about Statefarm is the agents are somewhat independent and give you advice on how to file claims and fight to get them paid.

That said, obviously your former agent may not wish to help you.

[lthenderson]

I'm really not sure if filing the claim with SF and potentially getting it denied due to the age discrepancy is worth the risk.

What risk? If you have the time to file the claim, making note of the roof age discrepancy, the worst they can do after investigating is say no to your claim. You are no longer use them as your insurer so I'm not sure what other risk you might be referring to.

If you are referring to the risk of filing a claim based upon dishonesty, that is outside the scope of this forum.

[RoldGold]

I'm really not sure if filing the claim with SF and potentially getting it denied due to the age discrepancy is worth the risk.

What risk? If you have the time to file the claim, making note of the roof age discrepancy, the worst they can do after investigating is say no to your claim. You are no longer use them as your insurer so I'm not sure what other risk you might be referring to.

If you are referring to the risk of filing a claim based upon dishonesty, that is outside the scope of this forum.

The risk would be: having a 0 dollar claim on my record. My current agent tells me that this is disqualifying for many insurers for 3-5 years.

As far as dishonesty goes, I don't feel I'm being dishonest. We truly did have a hail storm (and I have the photos and videos to prove it, as well as roof damage). I'm not trying to "get a free roof" from my insurance company without cause.

[invest4]

I am no longer with State Farm, by the way, but I believe there is a 2 year statute of limitations for claims.

You need to call anyway, because the time period varies by insurer and my recall was 1 year for State Farm.

[HomeStretch]

… The risk would be: having a 0 dollar claim on my record. My current agent tells me that this is disqualifying for many insurers for 3-5 years. …

I don’t know whether 1 $0 claim would cause insurers to decline to quote but your agent should know best.

When changing home insurance carriers a couple years ago, I found in my case 1-2 CLUE report claims in 3-5 years raised questions. A 3rd would have caused most of the insurers to decline to quote.

[lthenderson]

What risk? If you have the time to file the claim, making note of the roof age discrepancy, the worst they can do after investigating is say no to your claim. You are no longer use them as your insurer so I'm not sure what other risk you might be referring to.

If you are referring to the risk of filing a claim based upon dishonesty, that is outside the scope of this forum.

The risk would be: having a 0 dollar claim on my record. My current agent tells me that this is disqualifying for many insurers for 3-5 years.

I have never heard of such a thing but I'm guessing it is possible depending on insurance companies. If your State Farm was an independent representative, I wouldn't hesitate to ask them about that possibility. My insurance is always through independent reps and they are a wealth of knowledge that I have used and they have never steered me wrong. FWIW, I've never had a 0 dollar claim but I have asked my rep about the results of filing a claim and subsequently decided not to file one.

[Kings over Queens]

So, in short, I'm wondering if anyone has any insight here. I'm really not sure if filing the claim with SF and potentially getting it denied due to the age discrepancy is worth the risk. The only quote I have for the roof replacement (I intend to get more quotes), is a back-of-napkin estimate of 18-25k. Thanks!

forgive me if this sounds sharp, but, what choice do you have?

You claim you have a roof damaged by hail, yes? Can you live with this damage, or must it be repaired? If you can live with it, then live with it. If you can't, then file the claim. The age of roof discrepancy on the application is the least of your issue, IMO. I think you are going to have a larger challenge substantiating in 2025 that the roof was damaged in 2023.

If I can ask, what prompted you to have a roofer inspect the roof, or did they do this voluntarily?

[Kings over Queens]

dup post, sorry.