Market Research
Settlement of Roof Insurance Claim for a Houston-Based Contractor
Project Overview
Settlement of Roof Insurance Claim for a Houston-Based Contractor
We at The Claims Ninja excel at negotiating underpaid or denied claims into lucrative settlements for contractors. In this case, a wind-damaged residential roof resulted in a low insurance company payout, and a Houston-based roofing contractor faced a significant obstacle. The insurer’s scope didn’t include critical items, and the initial offer wouldn’t approach basic material costs. That’s when the contractor teamed up with The Claims Ninja to settle fairly and accurately.
Challenges & Our Process
The Challenge
The contractor submitted a detailed roof inspection and scope of work, but the insurance company only offered $12,800 after depreciation. They cited wear and tear, excluded key items like code-required upgrades and flashing, and denied matching shingle coverage. This low payout fell far short of actual needs. It risked client frustration, legal issues, and major out-of-pocket costs for the contractor.
Our Process
The Claims Ninja stepped in to take control of the claim process:
A detailed Xactimate estimate was created by our team ensuring compliance with the local building codes.
We conducted an extensive review of the policy and scope of work, gathering photographs, code documentation, and industry guidelines to support the contractor’s position.
Limited Market Insights
Our licensed public adjusters handled all communication with the insurance company which allowed the contractor to focus on their business rather than the inspection.
Results
Outcomes and Insights
After two weeks of negotiations, the insurance company came back with an offer of $26,950 — more than double the original offer. The revised settlement included:
- Code-compliant materials
- Matching shingles for visual continuity
- Overhead and profit for general contracting services
- Proper labor charges for steep slope roofing
Key Takeaways
This case shows the value of expert negotiation and policy experience in dealing with roofing claims. Having a public adjuster like The Claims Ninja on a contractor's side means that no lineitem will be missed, all documentation will be on point and the final settlement will be commensurate with the true scope of work needed.