Recent reporting found that approximately 51% of homeowners' claims handled by USAA and affiliated insurers closed without payment in 2025, according to a press release from Zooby Home Exteriors. The figure does not necessarily indicate wrongful denials; claims may close without payment for reasons including damage below the deductible, policy exclusions, or homeowners deciding not to pursue the claim. USAA has stated that after accounting for these circumstances, fewer than 6% of its homeowners claims were denied without payment.
Zooby Home Exteriors is urging San Antonio homeowners to inspect their roofs before filing insurance claims, especially after hail storms. The New York Times reported in July 2026 on the growing cost of hail damage, calling it a "billion-dollar blind spot." For San Antonio homeowners, storm damage can become a household financial problem, particularly when repair costs approach or fall below percentage-based wind or hail deductibles.
A professional inspection can identify visible damage, granule loss, damaged flashing, water intrusion, and age-related deterioration, helping homeowners understand what their roof actually needs before contacting their insurer. Zooby can inspect the roof and document conditions but does not determine insurance coverage. The insurance carrier answers what the policy covers, while the inspection answers what the roof needs.
Many Texas homeowners policies use percentage-based wind and hail deductibles. For a home insured for $350,000, a 2% deductible equals $7,000. If an insurance carrier approves $6,500 in covered repairs, the homeowner may receive no payment because the approved amount is lower than the deductible. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) provides a similar example, explaining that when a home has a $7,500 deductible and needs $6,500 in repairs, the policy would not pay. Zooby's president, Zubiate, noted, "The percentage on the declarations page can look small. Once it is converted into dollars, the homeowner may discover that the deductible is several thousand dollars."
Hail is one of the most expensive severe weather threats in the U.S., with annual losses routinely exceeding $10 billion according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Damage from one hailstorm striking a major city can reach $1 billion. Zubiate emphasized, "Hail is not only a roofing issue. It can become a household financial issue."
Not all storm damage requires full roof replacement. Limited damage may be corrected by replacing damaged shingles or repairing flashing. If the probable repair cost is below the deductible, filing a claim may not result in payment. Zooby recommends homeowners review their policy terms, including wind and hail deductibles, replacement cost or actual cash value coverage, and any exclusions. The Texas Department of Insurance home insurance guide explains that claim payments may be reduced by depreciation and the deductible.
Zooby is not advising against legitimate claims but encourages informed decisions. TDI advises homeowners to find their deductible and obtain repair estimates, noting that filing a claim may affect premiums or claim-free discounts. After inspection, options may include repair, Zoobification for qualifying aging roofs, or full replacement. Zooby also provides a limited credit warranty for Zoobification, though the credit has no cash value. Homeowners may also ask about financing options.
Finally, Zooby reminds homeowners that Texas contractors cannot legally waive insurance deductibles. The Texas Department of Insurance warns that deductible-waiver offers may involve rebates or inflated invoices. Homeowners should be cautious if a contractor promises a free roof or says the deductible will not have to be paid.
