How an 11-day reversal saved an elderly homeowner from an impossible choice
When a Colorado Homeowner Called About Her Denied State Farm Claim
The phone rang on August 28, 2025.
“Can you inspect my roof today?”
The voice was elderly. Urgent, but not panicked.
“My deductible increases tomorrow. And I need to sell my house before January.”
I asked why January.
“I’m moving to Arizona. To a retirement community. I need medical care I can’t get here.”
She paused.
“But I can’t sell with a damaged roof.”
I told her I’d be there that evening.
What the Roof Inspection Revealed: Complete Hail Damage
The roof had failed. Completely.
June 16, 2025. A hailstorm swept through Colorado Springs—an event documented in National Weather Service reports. The damage was fresh, extensive, undeniable:
- Complete roof system requiring replacement
- Multiple impacts on the skylight
- Compromised flashings
- Damaged siding, gutters, downspouts
- Garage structure damage
- Broken fixtures and windows
Within an hour, we filed the claim with State Farm.
[Learn more about documenting hail damage for insurance claims →] (Link to: roof inspections page)
The evidence was overwhelming.
State Farm denied it entirely.
Why State Farm Denied This Legitimate Roof Insurance Claim
“The damage is from storms over two years ago.”
That was their position.
Never mind the fresh impact marks. Never mind the industry hail reports confirming June 16. Never mind our immediate filing after the storm.
For a younger homeowner, this would be frustrating.
This is a common State Farm denial tactic we’ve seen across Colorado.
For an elderly woman needing to move to assisted living?
Devastating.
Without coverage, she faced three choices:
- Pay $29,000+ out of pocket (money needed for her care facility)
- Try selling with visible storm damage (nearly impossible)
- Delay her move and the medical care she needed
None were real options.
The Appraisal Process: When State Farm Refuses to Participate
Standard protocol: request appraisal.
Both sides hire independent appraisers to determine damage value. It’s typically a homeowner’s right.
[Understanding the insurance appraisal process in Colorado →] Link to: Educational page about appraisal clause or working with public adjusters
We connected her with a respected local public adjuster. He sent the demand letter immediately.
Weeks passed.
State Farm’s response: “We refuse to participate.”
We’d hit a dead end.
First Attorney Consultation: 12-24 Month Litigation Reality
I called a well-regarded law firm specializing in insurance disputes.
They reviewed everything:
- Complete damage estimates
- Aerial roof reports
- All correspondence
- Photo documentation
- Ten-year hail history
- Building department records
[See what documentation you need for a strong insurance claim →]
The attorney’s assessment:
“This is strong. Clear evidence of bad faith.”
I felt relief.
Then she continued.
“But litigation with State Farm takes 12-24 months minimum. They’re notorious for dragging it out.”
The homeowner needed to be in Arizona by January 2026.
Four months away.
Waiting two years meant:
- Missing her move date
- Worsening health without proper care
- Depleting savings on temporary housing
- The emotional toll at her age
The attorney felt terrible but couldn’t help within her timeline.
State Farm’s delay tactics would force an impossible choice.
Second Attorney: A Pre-Litigation Strategy That Changes Everything
I called another attorney. Florida-based, but licensed in Colorado.
Same documentation. Same facts.
Completely different response.
“I can help.”
She didn’t threaten litigation. She had a different strategy.
Retainer sent November 6th.
Homeowner signed immediately.
The 11-Day Turnaround: From Denial to Full Approval
November 17th.
An email changed everything:
“State Farm wishes to settle and is drafting a scope to pay for your roof. They showed the photographs taken by Gerald Winik and felt it should be taken care of. They acknowledge VERBALLY that the person handling the claim did not do a good job.”
The same adjuster who’d been dismissive during reinspection. Who’d claimed “oxidation inconsistent with the date of loss.”
Now sending a complete estimate. Full roof replacement. All depreciation released.
Eleven days.
For the homeowner, this meant:
- List the house with a new roof
- Proceed with the sale before year end
- Move to Arizona on schedule
- Access the care she needed
The timing was miraculous.
Real estate transactions take 30-45 days. The holidays were approaching. Every day mattered.
The 11-day resolution gave her the window she needed.
What Made State Farm Reverse Their Denial Decision
Not the evidence. We had that from the beginning.
Not the documentation. That never changed.
The strategy changed.
The Right Legal Approach for Insurance Claim Denials
The second attorney didn’t threaten litigation. She used pre-litigation negotiation tactics.
She understood an elderly woman moving to assisted living couldn’t wait two years for justice.
How Evidence Presentation Changed State Farm’s Response
Same evidence. Different presentation.
Having an attorney formally present it changed how seriously State Farm received it.
The attorney likely emphasized the humanitarian aspect. An elderly homeowner forced to choose between health and home.
Understanding State Farm’s Claim Denial Patterns in Colorado
She knew State Farm’s reputation. Their denial tactics. How to navigate their specific patterns.
State Farm’s denial patterns are well-documented across Colorado. Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 10-3-1116), unreasonable claim denials can result in penalties of two to three times the claim amount, plus attorney fees.
More importantly, she knew how to make them act quickly without going to court.
Creating Urgency Without Going to Court
She found ways to create urgency on State Farm’s end.
Whether bad faith concerns, the homeowner’s vulnerable situation, or other leverage points—she made them understand quick resolution served everyone.
State Farm’s Verbal Admission: The Claim Was Mishandled
State Farm acknowledged verbally that “the person handling the claim did not do a good job.”
Think about that.
How many elderly homeowners accept initial denials? Not knowing their rights. Not having the energy to fight.
How many contractors give up when the insurance company says no? Not realizing another approach might exist.
What Colorado Homeowners Should Know About Claim Denials
For Homeowners
Time matters. Filing quickly after a storm saves thousands in deductible costs.
Initial denials aren’t final. Insurance companies deny legitimate claims regularly. These decisions can be challenged.
The right representation matters. Not all attorneys approach cases the same way. Timeline considerations are crucial.
Multiple opinions are valuable. The first professional opinion isn’t the only option.
For Contractors
Document everything. Our comprehensive photo documentation became crucial evidence.
Act quickly. Helping homeowners file immediately protects them.
Don’t give up after denial. The first “no” isn’t always final.
Know when to bring in legal help. And which legal help to bring in.
About Strategy
Litigation isn’t always necessary. Pre-litigation negotiation can be faster and effective.
Experience with specific insurers matters. Attorneys who know State Farm’s patterns have advantages.
Timeline understanding is crucial. Make sure your attorney understands your time constraints.
The Human Impact: More Than Just Insurance Money
The elderly homeowner is on track to sell her house and move before the new year.
She’ll receive the care and support she needs.
Sometimes, winning against an insurance company isn’t about money.
It’s about giving someone their life back.
What to Do If State Farm Denies Your Roof Claim
Don’t accept it as final.
Document comprehensively.
Understand your policy rights.
Seek expert opinions.
Consider multiple legal perspectives.
Act quickly.
Insurance companies count on homeowners giving up.
Sometimes, the difference between a two-year battle and an 11-day resolution is knowing who to call.
Every situation is unique. This is shared for educational purposes, not legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances.
What You Should Know
Comprehensive documentation matters. The right professional matters more. And State Farm denials can be reversed—sometimes much faster than anyone expects.
The question isn’t whether insurance companies wrongfully deny claims.
They do.
The question is whether you’ll accept it.
About the Author
A roofing consultant with extensive experience helping Colorado homeowners navigate insurance claims after storm damage. Specializing in hail damage assessment, claim documentation, and connecting homeowners with the right advocates.
