If you’ve ever filed a roof insurance claim and it ended with a $0 payout, you aren’t alone.
When we pulled the public data on homeowners’ claims, we saw that in 2024, many homeowners faced claims closed with no payments. As homeowners, we’d expect the opposite, but data doesn’t lie.
This is information on homeowners’ insurance, specifically the type of policy people expect to help with roof damage from wind, hail, falling debris, and storms.
What “Claims Closed With No Payment” Really Means
The metric we are using to present data and information in the following article is “claims closed with no payment.”
This means: the claim was filed, processed, closed… and the homeowner received $0.
This doesn’t always mean formally denied, but the effect for the homeowner is the same: damage and no check. (Weiss Ratings)
According to data analyzed from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC):
- 2004: 25.7% of claims closed without payment
- 2023: 39.0%
- 2024: 42.1%
(Source: Weiss Ratings study on homeowner claims) (Weiss Ratings)
That means in 2024, about 4 out of 10 homeowners’ insurance claims ended with no payout. (Weiss Ratings)
2024 Homeowners’ Insurance Payout Rates by Major Companies
Here’s how some of the largest homeowners’ insurance providers stack up when it comes to claims closed with no payment in 2024: (Weiss Ratings)
These are large homeowners’ insurance providers, and the percentage of claims closed with no payment in 2024.
And again, not “approved” or “denied.” Simply, “Did you get paid or not?” Because the label doesn’t matter when you’re met with damaged property and an empty hand.
Here’s what the data tells us:
- Allstate Vehicle & Property — 50.9%
- Allstate Insurance Company — 49.8%
- USAA — 49.5%
- USAA Casualty — 48.7%
- Farmers Property & Casualty — 45.6%
- Universal Property & Casualty — 40.1%
These percentages reflect claims closed with zero payout, not necessarily “denied” under formal definitions.
Depending on who you’re with, you’re looking at 4 out of 10, in some cases 5 out of 10 claims ending in $0.
This is the part where you begin to think, “Well, why am I paying for this at all?” For context, some major insurers are lower:
- State Farm Fire & Casualty — 31.9%
- American Family Mutual — 36.6%
- Nationwide Mutual — 16.6%
Why So Many Homeowners Get $0
1. Roof Claim Costs Have Skyrocketed
Roof repair and replacement costs totaled nearly $31 billion in 2024, up about 30% since 2022, according to Verisk data. High claim costs are leading insurers to tighten payout criteria. (Insurance Journal)
2. Higher Deductibles and Narrower Coverage
Insurers have increased deductibles and restricted coverage terms — meaning even if damage exists, it can fall under the deductible or not be covered, leaving homeowners with $0. This trend is widely reported in insurance industry coverage. (Houston Chronicle)
3. Disputes Over Damage Cause: Wear & Tear vs. Storm
One of the most frequent reasons claims receive no payout is the insurer attributing damage to wear and tear instead of a covered peril (like hail or wind). This common battle can drastically reduce payouts or result in zero payout.
The Claim Trap: Why Filing Can Still Hurt
This is the part most people don’t think about:
Even if the claim ends in $0, it can still show up in your claim history.
So when it’s time to renew or shop around, that can create friction, meaning filing a claim without knowing what you’re walking into can actually backfire.
What Homeowners Should Do Before Filing
Before you file:
- Know your deductible
- Know your roof’s age and condition
- Document everything immediately
- Check whether damage is widespread or localized
- Review policy exclusions (wear and tear, cosmetic issues, etc.)
- Get a qualified roofing inspection
- Don’t rush to file without evidence
The goal isn’t to avoid claims; it’s to prepare a strong one. With the right information and proof, you’re far more likely to get a payout.
Final Takeaway: Confidence Through Knowledge
The goal isn’t to never file.
The goal is to file smart, with proof, and avoid being denied.
Having the correct information to support your claim and taking the necessary steps prior to filing can save you from becoming a statistic.
You now have a clearer picture of what many homeowners face with roof insurance claims in 2024 and why so many end without payout. With confidence and preparation, you can make better decisions before filing a claim and protect your investment.