September 30, 2026

Another Roof Inspection? Give It a Question to Answer

Another inspection is on the calendar, but what will be different this time? If your contractor and insurance company still disagree about your roof, a second visit needs a clear purpose. Otherwise, you may end up with another set of pictures and the same unanswered question.

Start with the finding you want reviewed

In its June 24, 2026 lawsuit announcement, Oklahoma’s attorney general alleged that State Farm used restrictive internal standards and outcome-oriented engineering reviews to reduce claim payments. Those allegations are disputed. In a March 12 statement about the Oklahoma litigation, State Farm said claim decisions depend on the individual facts and coverage purchased.

For a homeowner dealing with State Farm or another insurer, the practical question is specific: what finding about your own property needs another look? A lawsuit headline doesn’t establish the answer for your roof. The inspection record should explain it.

Give the visit one clear question

Read the decision letter or estimate alongside the contractor’s written observations. Pick the point where the explanations differ. For example: the insurer’s report describes an area as undamaged, while the contractor has identified a particular condition in that same area. Ask that the reinspection address the condition and explain whether it changes the earlier finding.

A short request is easier to follow than a long message that mixes every frustration together. Include:

• The exact finding or estimate item you want reviewed.
• The roof area involved, identified on an existing photo or diagram.
• The contractor’s specific observation, with the relevant photo or document.
• The question you would like answered after the visit.

You don’t need to diagnose the roof yourself. Ask the qualified professional who observed the issue to explain it clearly. Stay off the roof and let the people equipped to inspect it handle access.

Confirm what the inspector will have

Before the appointment, send the short request and attachments to the claim representative. Ask whether the person attending will receive them and whether the contractor can attend to point out the disputed area. Keep a copy of what you sent and the reply.

If a requested area cannot be accessed, ask that the limitation be recorded. A visit that could not examine the disputed area leaves a different record from one that examined it and reached a different conclusion.

Ask what changed after the visit

When the follow-up arrives, compare it with your original question. Did the inspector address the same location and observation? Was the finding changed, or was the earlier conclusion kept? Ask for the reason in writing and for any revised estimate or report the insurer can provide.

If the response doesn’t answer the question, point back to that single gap. Keeping the issue precise helps everyone see what is resolved and what still needs an explanation.

Covenant Claim Group helps homeowners bring their policy, estimates and inspection records together. If a second visit has left you with the same disagreement, we can help identify the unanswered question and organize the information for the next conversation.