Can I Sue My Insurance Company for Refusing to Pay After a Storm?

What to Do If Insurance Denied Your Roof Claim in Oklahoma

After a severe storm, discovering roof damage is stressful enough, but getting a denial from your homeowners’ insurance company can leave you feeling powerless. You paid your premiums expecting protection. So what happens when your insurance company says no?

At 222 Injury Lawyers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we help policyholders stand up to bad faith insurance tactics and fight for the coverage they’re owed. If your roof claim was denied, here’s what you need to know about your rights and options, including whether you can sue your insurance company for refusing to pay.

Why Are Roof Claims Denied After a Storm?

Insurance companies deny roof damage claims for several reasons, but not all of them are legitimate. Here are some of the most common reasons insurers give:

• “Pre-existing damage” – Claiming the roof was already deteriorating before the storm.
• “Improper maintenance” – Alleging the damage occurred because the homeowner didn’t maintain the roof.
• “Wear and tear” – Arguing the damage is due to age and not storm-related.
• “Insufficient damage” – Claiming the damage isn’t bad enough to justify replacement or repair.
• Policy exclusions or limitations – Using fine print to avoid payment.
• Missed deadlines – Denying claims due to late reporting or incomplete documentation.

Some of these may be valid, but many are not. If your storm damage claim was denied for any of these reasons, it’s important to take action quickly.

What to Do If Insurance Denied Your Roof Claim in Oklahoma

A denied claim isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Oklahoma law gives homeowners several tools to fight back. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Review Your Policy

Start by reading your homeowners insurance policy line by line. Pay close attention to:

• Covered perils (hail, wind, tornadoes, etc.)
• Exclusions (like cosmetic damage or old age)
• Deductible amounts
• Time limits for filing or appealing claims

If your policy includes coverage for storm damage and you’ve met the deadlines, your claim should at least be fairly evaluated.

2. Request a Written Denial

Insist on a written explanation from your insurance company outlining why the claim was denied. Under Oklahoma law, insurers must act in good faith and provide clear reasons for denial. Vague or generic rejections are red flags.

3. Document the Damage

Take detailed photographs or videos of the damage. If possible, compare with older images showing the roof’s condition before the storm. You should also:

• Save weather reports from the date of the storm
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs
• Note every call, email, or letter from your insurer

4. Get an Independent Inspection

Don’t rely solely on the insurance adjuster. Hire a licensed, independent roofing contractor to inspect the damage. Their written report can contradict the insurer’s findings and serve as powerful evidence.

5. Appeal the Denial

Most policies allow you to dispute or appeal a denied claim. Use your documentation, independent inspection, and any other supporting evidence to challenge the denial in writing.

Tip: Send all communications by certified mail and keep copies.

6. Call an Insurance Claim Attorney

If you’ve followed all the steps and your claim is still denied—or the insurer is stalling, undervaluing your damage, or refusing to communicate—it’s time to involve a bad faith insurance lawyer.

When Can You Sue an Insurance Company in Oklahoma?

Under Oklahoma’s bad faith insurance laws, you can sue your insurance company if they:

• Unreasonably delay your claim
• Deny your claim without proper investigation
• Fail to communicate or provide updates
• Offer an amount far below what your policy promises
• Misrepresent the policy language or mislead you

If the insurer acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to more than just the cost of the roof—you could recover:

• The full value of the claim
• Legal fees and costs
• Emotional distress damages
• Punitive damages for egregious conduct

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we hold insurance companies accountable when they violate your trust and act unfairly.

How 222 Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Denied Roof Claim

You don’t have to go toe-to-toe with a billion-dollar insurance company on your own.

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we:

• Analyze your policy and determine your legal rights
• Investigate the storm damage and gather independent reports
• Handle all communications with the insurer
• File suit if the insurer acts in bad faith
• Fight to recover the full compensation you deserve

We represent homeowners across Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma in property insurance disputes. Our team has experience standing up to insurers who delay, deny, or lowball legitimate roof claims.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Call the Shots

Insurance companies count on policyholders giving up. But you don’t have to accept a denied claim, especially when you’ve done everything right.

If your insurance denied your roof claim after a storm, take the next step: Contact 222 Injury Lawyers for a free case review. We’ll give you honest advice, investigate your claim, and fight for the coverage you paid for.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.