Before the Storm: Because Tears Don't Get Approvals

You pay your insurance premiums every year with the hope that should you ever need your insurance to come through for you, it will. But a growing number of homeowners in Oklahoma and across the US are experiencing the complete opposite.

I recently attended a lunch-and-learn session that really confirmed what many homeowners have been experiencing lately-and what Forest and I are dealing with right now. A lawyer with over 20 years of experience shared with us that he hasn't seen the level of claim denial and pushback by insurance companies as he has in the last three years. And we also see insurance companies are making headlines and having their day in court...and not for good reasons.

It all begs the question...is there ANYTHING we can do about it?

The short answer is, yes. The steps we take BEFORE a storm can make a real difference and increase your chances of your claim getting approved. Yearly photos of your roof and exterior help show that there were no pre-existing conditions. Photo documentation makes it much harder for insurance companies to label damage as 'pre-existing' or just 'wear and tear'.

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(ABOVE: Forest documents obvious hail damage. There are multiple hail hits all over the roof and soft metals. The adjuster never gets on the roof. She has a ladder assist do the work for her, and he says it's hail damage. Over the phone, she tells Forest that the ladder assist doesn't make the call, and that it's animal damage. Her report, however, says it's wear and tear. She STILL has not gotten on the roof, which is more common these days. She also incorrectly documented that it's a 3-tab shingle when it's actually a Class 4 shingle. We are getting a reinspection for this client. This is not an uncommon scenario for us.)

Storms can arrive fast in Oklahoma, whether it’s a sudden tornado or a heavy hailstorm. And while we can’t control the weather, there are a few smart, proactive steps homeowners can take to protect their homes and increase their chances that insurance claims are approved if damage occurs. 

1️⃣  Document Your Home

• Take clear, dated photos of your roof, siding, windows, and gutters.

• Keep these records in a safe place — they’ll serve as proof of the home’s condition before any storm.

2️⃣Inspect and Maintain Your Roof

• Before storm season, take a look at your shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents.

• Fix minor issues like loose shingles or clogged gutters — insurers often check if pre-existing damage contributed to storm issues.

3️⃣ Trim Trees and Remove Debris

• Trim branches that could fall on your roof during high winds.

• Clear loose items from your yard that could become projectiles.

• A tidy, well-maintained exterior can help show insurers you take care of your home.

4️⃣ Review Your Insurance Policy

• Know what your policy covers: roof damage, hail, wind, or other specific events.

• Ask questions if anything is unclear — understanding your coverage helps avoid surprises later.

5️⃣ Schedule a Pre-Storm Professional Inspection

• A licensed roofer or home inspector can spot potential weak spots before a storm hits.

• If damage occurs, having a professional baseline inspection makes it easier to prove what changed during the storm.

6️⃣ Keep Records of Improvements

• Save receipts and photos of any recent roof work, gutter upgrades, or storm-prep measures.

• This shows insurers your home was well cared for and maintained, strengthening your claim.

Bottom Line:

There is no foolproof way to guarantee an insurance company will pay your claim, but these steps can definitely help your chances!

If climbing ladders or getting on your roof isn’t your thing-or if you’re just not sure which photos to take-we at Willow Group Roofing & Construction have you covered. We’re happy to do this as a FREE SERVICE, because at the end of the day, you’re our neighbors…and we’d love to be your go-to roofer should you need one in the future.