The Truth About Roofing Insurance Claims: What Tulsa Homeowners Get Wrong
There’s a false sense of security that comes with having homeowners insurance. You assume that when something goes wrong—a hailstorm, wind damage, or a fallen tree—your policy will kick in and take care of it. But the reality in Tulsa (and across Oklahoma) is that insurance claims for roofing issues are often delayed, underpaid, or outright denied.
At Tier-One Roofing, we see this all the time. Homeowners come to us frustrated and blindsided. They thought they were doing everything right. They weren’t. Not because they didn’t care—but because no one told them how this system really works.
We’re going to fix that.
This is your no-fluff, real-talk breakdown of the biggest roofing insurance claim mistakes Tulsa homeowners make, and how you can avoid becoming another cautionary tale.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to File
Oklahoma weather is unpredictable. Windstorms and hail can roll through overnight and leave behind thousands of dollars in damage. But most homeowners do what feels reasonable: wait a few days, assess things, maybe check the attic for leaks.
Here’s the problem:
Insurance companies impose strict time limits on when damage must be reported after a storm. And they count on homeowners missing that window.
If you wait weeks (or even days) to call your insurance or get a professional inspection, they can say the damage occurred outside the coverage period or that it’s no longer traceable to the storm.
What to do instead:
Call Tier-One Roofing as soon as the skies clear. We’ll get boots on the ground within 24-48 hours to document every inch of storm impact, timestamp the damage, and preserve your ability to make a claim.
Mistake #2: Calling Insurance Before You Call a Roofer
This sounds backward to most people. Isn’t insurance supposed to be your first call?
Not when it comes to storm damage.
When you call your insurer first, they send their adjuster. That person works for them, not for you. They may underreport the damage, miss subtle signs of impact, or classify things as "pre-existing."
That makes it harder—sometimes impossible—to get your claim approved.
What to do instead:
Call Tier-One Roofing first. We act as your eyes and advocates. Our inspections are detailed, our reports are ironclad, and we’ll even meet your adjuster onsite if needed to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Mistake #3: Not Documenting the Damage Yourself
Even if you hire a roofer (and you should), it pays to take your own photos and notes. Every little bit helps.
Snap wide-angle shots of your home and roof from multiple angles
Zoom in on any visible damage: missing shingles, granule loss, dents in gutters
Photograph hailstones if you catch them on the ground (use a ruler for size reference)
Note the date and time
This kind of self-documentation adds another layer of proof to your case.
At Tier-One, we include your images in our report and cross-reference them with our own to build a bulletproof file.
Mistake #4: Not Knowing What Your Policy Actually Covers
Most homeowners don’t read their insurance policies until something goes wrong. By then, it might be too late.
Some policies only cover actual cash value (ACV), meaning they subtract depreciation. Others cover replacement cost value (RCV), which is far better but often requires specific conditions to be met.
Also, some policies have:
Higher deductibles for wind/hail events
Roof exclusions if your roof is over a certain age
Requirements for annual inspections (that many homeowners don’t know about)
What to do instead:
Schedule a policy review with Tier-One Roofing. We’ll walk through your coverage with you, point out hidden exclusions, and help you understand what you can realistically expect from a claim.
Mistake #5: Trusting Out-of-State Storm Chasers
After a major storm, you’ll see them: trucks with out-of-state plates, offering "free roofs" and promising quick fixes. These companies don’t know Oklahoma codes. They rarely stand behind their work. And good luck finding them when something goes wrong two years later.
We’ve had to re-do dozens of roofs that these guys butchered.
What to do instead:
Choose a local, veteran-owned company with a permanent presence in Tulsa. Tier-One Roofing doesn’t chase storms. We serve communities. We stay. We answer our phones. We build roofs like we’re protecting our own homes.
Mistake #6: Accepting the First Payout Without Question
Insurance companies often issue a quick check to make the problem go away. But here’s the rub: those first payouts are usually too low to cover the full repair cost.
They assume you won’t challenge it.
And if you cash the check, you might be agreeing to close the claim—even if the payout was inadequate.
What to do instead:
Bring that estimate to Tier-One Roofing. We’ll give you a second opinion and identify anything the adjuster missed. If needed, we’ll help you submit a supplement request for the full amount it will take to do the job right.
What You Should Do Instead: A Clear Roadmap
After a storm, inspect your property visually.
Call Tier-One Roofing immediately. We’ll schedule a free inspection within 24-48 hours.
Let us document, analyze, and provide a damage report.
Review your insurance policy. We’ll help translate the fine print.
Submit your claim, using our report and documentation as your foundation.
Get our support throughout the process. We’ll speak to adjusters, challenge inaccuracies, and ensure you don’t go it alone.
What Sets Tier-One Roofing Apart
We’re not just roofers. We’re problem-solvers. Educators. Advocates. And we don’t walk away when the paperwork starts.
Our team understands the roofing insurance claim process inside and out because we’ve walked it with hundreds of Oklahoma homeowners.
We’re licensed, insured, and rooted in Tulsa
We’re veteran-owned—integrity is non-negotiable
We provide storm-specific reporting that speaks the insurance language
We stick with you until the roof is done right and fully documented
This is about more than shingles. It’s about protecting your home, your money, and your peace of mind.
Don’t Let the System Work Against You
The insurance process isn’t designed to favor the homeowner. But with the right partner in your corner, you can turn it to your advantage.
Call Tier-One Roofing today.
We’ll inspect your roof, explain your policy, and help you get the coverage you deserve.
The storm already happened. Don’t let the next disaster be a denied claim.