Statesville man says his home insurance company won’t cover the cost of a roof repair

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) – A local man called WBTV for help after being stuck with a damaged roof that his insurance company won’t pay to fix.

Carlos Bautista noticed problems with his roof in September. He contacted his insurance company, Allstate, but didn’t get the help he was hoping for.

His roof was damaged in two storms that blew through the area. Allstate came out in October and November.

“The two roofs for my neighbors had been damaged, but they’ve already been fixed. My roof is the only one with Allstate, you know, and it’s not been fixed,” said Bautista.

But, Bautista says, Allstate’s estimate was significantly less at roughly $450 for materials and labor.

“The saying, ‘Are you in good hands?’ – Do you think I’m in good hands? I’m not protected at all.”

In an email from Bautista to Allstate, he says the Allstate agent told him they would send a drone to inspect the roof, which didn’t have the ability to physically inspect the shingles.

WBTV reached out to Allstate, and in a statement, a spokesperson said in part, “We handle claims quickly and fairly based on what’s covered in each customer’s policy…”.

Tom Bartholomy of the Better Business Bureau says, with claims like these, it often comes down to what an adjuster finds.

“They’ll just say, look, [the] policy says we’re going to go with what the adjuster says, and then you’re stuck,” said Bartholomy.

“The water sooner or later is going to enter my house,” said Bautista. “If they don’t offer any protection right now, what are they going to offer later? I’m frustrated.”

Another strategy – try reaching out to your own insurance claims adjuster. They’ll be able to provide an unbiased estimate and could be helpful in negotiating.

Dee Dee Gatton is an award-winning reporter and the evening anchor on WBTV. You can catch her anchoring every weekday at 4 PM.