Updated for Oklahoma homeowners (2026)

One of the first questions we hear after a hailstorm is:

“If I file a roof insurance claim, will my homeowners insurance go up?”

The honest answer is:

Maybe, but not necessarily, and it often depends on why the claim is being filed rather than simply the fact that you filed one.

Every insurance company evaluates risk differently, and each homeowner’s claim history is unique. While no contractor can promise how an insurance company will handle premiums, understanding the process can help you make an informed decision.

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Storm Damage Isn’t the Same as Neglect

Insurance is designed to protect homeowners from sudden, accidental events such as:

•  Hail
•  Windstorms
•  Tornadoes
•  Falling trees
•  Lightning

These are known as covered perils under most homeowners insurance policies.

If your roof was damaged by a severe Oklahoma hailstorm, filing a claim is generally very different from filing repeated claims for preventable maintenance issues or damage caused by neglect.

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Does Filing a Claim Automatically Raise My Rates?

No.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that simply having your roof inspected does not create an insurance claim. 

In fact, thousands of Oklahoma homeowners have their roofs inspected every year and never file a claim. CAUTION: Whichever contractor you have come out and assess your roof needs to have some integrity to do what’s in your best interest. Of course roofers want to replace your roof. A lot of contractors, however, throw caution to the wind and press for a claim to see what happens. That’s why it’s important to know what they look for and how confident they are in recommending a claim. Otherwise, it can hurt you and your relationship with your carrier. 

Even when a claim is filed, a premium increase is not automatic. With that being said, anytime Oklahoma experiences widespread storm damage, those carriers will most certainly have increases across the board. As far as increasing your premiums personally, storm damage is considered an “Act of God”. In other words, you cannot control the weather and it’s against the law to increase your rates based on “perils”. 

Insurance companies may consider factors such as:

•  Your overall claims history
•  The number of recent claims
•  Whether the damage resulted from a widespread storm or an isolated incident
•  Your location
•  Changes in insurance rates across your area

Because every carrier uses its own underwriting guidelines, there is no universal answer.

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What About Large Hailstorms?

After a major hailstorm, many homes in the same neighborhood may experience damage.

When an entire area is affected by the same weather event, insurance companies recognize that the losses resulted from a natural disaster rather than something individual homeowners caused.

While insurance rates can change over time for many reasons, widespread storm activity often affects an entire region instead of a single homeowner.

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Should I Avoid Filing Just to “Be Safe?”

Not always.

Waiting too long can sometimes create bigger problems. 

Small hail damage may allow water to enter the roofing system months later. Minor wind damage can worsen with future storms. Delaying repairs can also make it more difficult to document when the original damage occurred.

If your roof truly has storm damage, it’s usually better to understand your options sooner rather than later.

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A Roof Inspection Does Not Obligate You

This is an important distinction.

A professional inspection simply tells you:

•  Whether damage exists
•  Whether it appears storm-related
•  Whether repairs may be sufficient
•  Whether a claim might be worth considering

The decision to file a claim is always yours.

At Red Tail Roofing & Construction, we never pressure homeowners into filing insurance claims. Our goal is to provide honest information so you can make the decision that’s best for your home and your family.

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What If My Claim Isn’t Approved?

Not every roof qualifies for replacement.

Sometimes damage is cosmetic.

Sometimes the roof is simply worn out due to age.

Sometimes repairs are the better solution.

A trustworthy contractor should explain those differences honestly instead of promising every homeowner a “free roof.” At Red Tail, we have a system that has helped us gain approval in over 80% of our claims we suggest. In the event we feel you have a strong case and get denied, we have a team of private adjusters that work with us to re-inspect your home and justify overturning the decision. 

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How We Help Oklahoma Homeowners

Our inspections include:

•  A questionnaire to gauge up front how confidently we feel about proceeding on your behalf
•  A thorough roof evaluation
•  Photos documenting any visible damage
•  Honest recommendations
•  Guidance on what we found
•  Answers to your questions, without sales pressure

If we believe your roof has legitimate storm damage, we’ll explain why.

If we don’t, we’ll tell you that too.

We believe trust is built by giving homeowners accurate information, even when it doesn’t lead to a roofing project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will a roof inspection show up on my insurance record?

No. A roof inspection by a contractor does not become an insurance claim. It’s a preliminary assessment to determine whether or not we feel a claim is warranted.

Can I file a claim years after a storm?

Oklahoma passed a consumer protection law in 2022 through HB 3495 that requires insurance carriers provide homeowners with a 24 month window (from the date of loss) to file a claim. The reason why is because it often takes time for the damage to be visible. 

Should I call my insurance company first?

Many homeowners prefer to have an independent roof inspection before contacting their insurance company. Understanding the condition of your roof helps you make a more informed decision about whether filing a claim makes sense.

What if my roof is old?

Age alone doesn’t prevent insurance coverage. If a covered storm caused damage, an older roof may still qualify for repairs or replacement depending on your policy and the extent of the damage.

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Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection

If your home was recently affected by hail or high winds, we’ll provide an honest assessment of your roof’s condition with no obligation and no pressure.

Whether your roof needs repairs, replacement, or simply peace of mind, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

Red Tail Roofing & Construction

Serving homeowners throughout Northeast Oklahoma with professional inspections, quality craftsmanship, and straightforward advice.

Call us at 918-922-7663 for a FREE inspection.