Roofer Accuses State Farm of Denying Legitimate Storm Damage Claims

As of November 16, 2025, a Tulsa roofer named Jonathan Spyres is furious with State Farm, the country's largest homeowners' insurer, for constantly denying his customers' legitimate storm damage claims. Spyres says his crews can easily spot the damage using high-tech equipment, but getting State Farm to pay for the repairs has become a real battle.

The case that pushed Spyres over the edge was a 90-year-old State Farm customer who had been with the insurer for over 60 years. When a storm ripped half the man's roof off, Spyres documented the damage, but State Farm denied the claim. Spyres says this "slam dunk" case is indicative of a larger trend he's noticed, and national data supports his concerns.

A 2024 review found that nearly 48% of homeowner claims across 14 major insurers were closed with no payment at all. Consumer advocates say insurers are increasingly delaying, minimizing, or outright refusing valid claims as premiums continue rising to record highs.

Tulsa attorney Christopher Camp says he's also noticed an unusually high number of "bad-faith denials" linked to State Farm in recent years. He explains that insurers have an obligation to fully and fairly investigate all claims, but cannot unreasonably delay or deny valid ones.

Spyres says some homeowners he's worked with have even sued State Farm and won. However, in 2025, the insurer shifted tactics, approving claims but not providing adequate funds. For example, Spyres says materials for a roof replacement cost $16,000, but State Farm only paid $11,000.

The biggest sticking point, according to Spyres, is code-required upgrades, which are legally required to bring roofs up to Oklahoma's building standards. Despite a bulletin from the state's Insurance Department clarifying that these costs must be covered, Spyres says he often gets no response from State Farm adjusters.

The Oklahoma Attorney General and Insurance Commissioner have both acknowledged the issue, with the Attorney General stating that the insurance coverage for homeowners is "out of balance" and that roofing companies are not being "fully remunerated." State Farm maintains it is "committed to paying what we owe promptly, courteously and efficiently."