Most homeowners believe that once an insurance claim is denied, there’s nothing more to do. Jim thought the same—until a third roofing estimate changed everything. He was ready to write a check for $75,000. Instead, he ended up with a premium roof valued at $160,000… and paid just $12,000 out of pocket.
This is the story of how a single roof insurance claim—when handled by the right expert—saved one homeowner more than $70,000.
Key Takeaways
| Insight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Denied claims can often be overturned | Jim thought his insurance wouldn’t cover anything—but McRoof recovered over $145K. |
| Experience in insurance matters as much as roofing | Scott McCollum Sr. used his supplement expertise to secure full claim coverage. |
| Jim was ready to pay $75K out of pocket | Instead, he received a $160K roof and paid only $12K. |
| Upgrades exceeded expectations | High-impact shingles, copper flashings, and continuous ventilation were all included. |
| Clean, professional crew completed the job in 2 weeks | Despite winter weather, the team delivered quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption. |
| McRoof kept Jim fully informed | Daily updates and proactive communication created a stress-free experience. |
| The right roofing partner makes all the difference | McRoof combined claims advocacy, technical skill, and quality to deliver exceptional value. |
When a Denied Roof Insurance Claim Isn’t the End
Many homeowners assume that once an insurance adjuster says “there’s not enough damage,” the conversation is over. That was Jim’s situation. He had already received two bids from reputable roofing companies and was ready to pay nearly $75,000 out of pocket for a quality roof replacement. He thought insurance wasn’t even worth pursuing.
But then he met Scott McCollum Sr., McRoof’s Chief Solutions Officer, a Master Haag Certified Inspector, and FORTIFIED Roof Evaluator with decades of hands-on experience.
“They told me I had a little hail damage, but not enough to file a claim,” Jim said. “Scott asked if he could take a look, and I’m glad I said yes.”
What followed was a complete reversal of the initial denial—and a better roof than Jim ever expected.
A Denied Claim Turned Into a Six-Figure Roof Replacement
The Power of a Supplement
After Scott personally evaluated Jim’s roof, he determined that significant damage had been overlooked. Rather than taking the denial at face value, Scott worked with Jim to initiate a supplemental insurance claim, documenting:
- Undervalued or undocumented hail damage
- Structural wear and tear tied to the storm
- Missing ordinance and law code upgrades
Scott understood the language adjusters needed to see—and how to back it with measured, verifiable evidence. The original payout from insurance was $0. After Scott’s intervention, the final payout covered all but $15,000 of a $160,000 roof replacement.
Table: Jim’s Roofing Cost Breakdown
| Estimate Type | Total Cost | Covered by Insurance | Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Contractor Bid #1 | $73,000 | $0 | $73,000 |
| Original Contractor Bid #2 | $85,000 | $0 | $85,000 |
| Final Roof from McRoof (upgraded) | $160,000 (actual) | $145,000 | $15,000 |
Better Materials. Better Process. Better Outcome.
Scott didn’t just fight for a bigger payout—he designed a better roof system. While the other bids included basic shingles and standard materials, McRoof delivered a high-performance system that included:
- High-impact shingles for hail resilience
- Continuous ventilation for attic health and energy efficiency
- Copper flashings for aesthetics and long-term durability
- Clean, professional work done in just two weeks, even during winter weather
Jim expected to write a check for $75K and settle for a standard roof. Instead, he received a top-tier, FORTIFIED-compliant system that increased the value, durability, and energy efficiency of his home.
The Value of Experience, Materials, and Communication
A Roof Is Only as Good as the Team Behind It
Jim’s expectations going into the project were low—not because of McRoof, but because of everything he’d heard about roofers in general.
“I didn’t expect a good experience by any stretch of the imagination,” he admitted. “I figured I’d have to watch the crews closely, argue over the contract, and fight to get things cleaned up.”
Instead, he was met with a completely different experience.
From insurance verification to timely updates, Jim was impressed by how McRoof kept him in the loop and exceeded every promise.
“Scott kept me informed almost too much,” Jim joked. “Every change, every schedule shift—he was always ahead of it.”
Built to a Higher Standard
McRoof brought more than just craftsmanship to the project. They delivered a high-performance roofing system built for longevity, using components that other contractors left out:
| System Upgrade | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| High-Impact Shingles | Rated to withstand hail, reducing long-term risk and increasing insurance value |
| Continuous Ridge Venting | Improves attic airflow, extends roof lifespan, and boosts energy efficiency |
| Copper Flashings | Durable and corrosion-resistant with a lifetime aesthetic value |
| FORTIFIED Compliance | Ensures roof meets enhanced resilience standards recognized by insurers and lenders |
These upgrades were not part of the original $73K–$85K contractor bids. They were the result of Scott’s deep knowledge of building codes, insurance supplements, and long-term performance metrics.
A Clean Worksite and a Professional Crew
Roofing projects are notoriously messy, but McRoof’s team operated with discipline. According to Jim:
- The crew cleaned as they went, not just at the end
- Two teams worked in tandem, completing the job in two weeks
- Every piece of debris was removed daily, with minimal disruption
- Even Jim’s insurance agent verified McRoof’s active coverage and compliance
“My wife expected a nightmare,” Jim said. “Instead, she got a clean yard, a quiet crew, and a beautiful roof.”
What Other Homeowners Can Learn from Jim’s Story
Three Bids Are Good—But Claims Expertise Is Better
Jim did the right thing: he got three bids from honest, reputable contractors. But the biggest difference came from choosing someone who could advocate inside the insurance system, not just on the roof.
Many homeowners assume:
- If insurance denies coverage, there’s no recourse
- Paying out of pocket is the only way forward
- All roofers are alike
Jim’s experience shows that those assumptions can be expensive.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Had Jim accepted the first denial or moved forward with a contractor who didn’t challenge it, he would have:
- Paid $73K–$85K out of pocket
- Missed out on major material and performance upgrades
- Continued believing the insurance claim process was a dead end
Instead, by working with a professional who speaks insurance, understands local building codes, and uses FORTIFIED standards, he got a roof twice as valuable—and saved over $70,000 doing it.
“If I ever need another roof—which I hope I don’t—I’ll call Scott again,” Jim said.
One Expert, One Conversation, Over $70K Saved
Jim’s story is more than just a roofing success—it’s a lesson in what’s possible when you combine deep industry knowledge, ethical service, and smart insurance strategy. What started as a denied roof insurance claim became a fully funded, high-performance roof—thanks to Scott McCollum Sr. and the team at McRoof.
Jim didn’t just get a new roof.
He got:
- A stronger, more resilient system
- A cleaner, faster, and more professional experience
- A better understanding of what real roofing leadership looks like
Most importantly, he paid $12,000 for a $160,000 roof.
Take the First Step Toward a Better Outcome
If you’ve been told your claim doesn’t qualify…
If you’re overwhelmed by estimates and insurance paperwork…
If you just want someone to take the time to explain your options…
👉 Schedule your free inspection now
Let McRoof help you unlock the full value of your roof insurance claim—just like we did for Jim. Because sometimes, one conversation changes everything.