If you live in McLean, you already know—we get some wild weather. Heavy winds, hail, hurricanes pushing up the coast—our roofs take a beating. But here’s the truth no one talks about:
The storm isn’t always your biggest problem.
Sometimes, it’s the insurance company.
A few weeks ago, something big happened: the U.S. Senate held a hearing to investigate how major insurance companies like All State and State Farm handle storm damage claims. What came out was… disturbing.
And if you’re a homeowner in McLean, you need to hear this—especially if you’re thinking about filing a claim or replacing your roof soon.
A McLean-Style Home Hit by a Hurricane… Then Hit by Insurance Red Tape
Let’s talk about Natalia Miguel. She had a massive tree crash through her home during Hurricane Helen. The damage? Catastrophic.
She filed a claim. Three adjusters showed up. An engineer inspected the property. The original estimate came in at nearly $500,000.
But by the end of it?
Her payout was slashed to just $100,000.
Why? According to two of the adjusters involved, they were pressured to change their reports. One was removed from the case after submitting a thorough inspection. Another admitted under oath that he was told to lower the estimate—even though the damage he saw didn’t change.
And here’s the kicker:
“I was advised to alter my estimate to a lower figure.”
— Testimony from an All State adjuster
“It’s not a one-time thing,” they said.
“This is how the system works.”
What This Means for You as a McLean Homeowner
McLean homes aren’t average. Most are custom-built, high-value, and designed with premium materials. Roof systems here are built to last, but they’re also expensive to repair or replace.
If your roof gets damaged and your insurance company isn’t playing fair, it can cost you tens of thousands out of pocket—even when the policy should cover it.
We’ve worked with plenty of McLean residents who felt stuck:
“The adjuster said it was just cosmetic.”
“They denied it based on a few photos.”
“The payout doesn’t even come close to what my roofer said it would cost.”
Here’s How They Get Away With It
From the testimony, here’s what stood out the most:
Adjusters are overruled by people who never visit the home.
Photos are replacing inspections.
“Cosmetic damage” is their favorite loophole.
Don’t Wait for a Denial. Here’s What Smart McLean Homeowners Are Doing
Get a Local Roofer Involved Early
Before you even file a claim, call a local roofing company who knows what storm damage looks like—not just someone who shows up from out of state after a storm.
At Requeno’s Construction, we do free storm inspections. We show you exactly what’s damaged, explain what’s likely to be covered, and help you document it—all before the adjuster gets involved.
Document Everything with Photos and Videos
Use your phone. Record your walk-throughs. Take clear photos of your shingles, gutters, flashing, interior ceilings—anything that looks even slightly off.
When it’s your word vs. a reviewer in another state, documentation is everything.
Hire a Public Adjuster if Needed
If your claim is denied or feels unfairly low, a public adjuster (who works for you, not the insurance company) can fight back. In Natalia’s case, hiring a public adjuster and engineer made all the difference.
We work alongside some of the best public adjusters in Virginia. We’ll introduce you if it comes to that.
Know That You’re Not Alone
This problem is bigger than one company. Adjusters said on record that this is happening across the industry.
“It’s systematic,” one said.
“Some companies are fair. Most are not.”
Real Talk: Roofing in McLean is Different
McLean homes often feature:
High-end roofing materials like tile, slate, and designer shingles
Intricate rooflines and architecture
Strict HOA guidelines in neighborhoods like Langley Forest and Salona Village
Premium property values that demand a pristine exterior
Insurance companies may say a cracked slate or dented metal panel is “cosmetic.” But we know that in McLean, those details matter—and they impact your home’s value.
Why McLean Homeowners Trust Requeno’s Construction
We’ve built our name on honesty, craftsmanship, and standing up for our customers.
We inspect and document storm damage thoroughly
We guide you through the insurance process
We advocate on your behalf when claims get tricky
We specialize in premium roofing systems (asphalt, tile, flat, metal)
We never push repairs you don’t need
And we do it all with respect for your time, your home, and your peace of mind.
Serving McLean, VA and the Entire DMV
Whether you’re in Langley, The Reserve, Evans Farm, or nearby, Requeno’s Construction is your go-to partner for:
- Full roof replacements
- Storm damage assessments
- Leak detection and repairs
- Gutter and flashing work
- Insurance claim support
Final Thought: You Deserve Better
If you’re reading this and wondering whether your roof is still in good shape, or if you’re frustrated by a recent claim… let’s talk.
We’ll give you an honest inspection and walk you through your options—no pressure, no pushy sales talk. Just the truth.
Call Requeno’s Construction today & book your free inspection.
Let’s make sure your roof—and your insurance—are working for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- How do I know if my roof has storm damage? Look for missing or lifted shingles, water stains on ceilings, dented gutters, or visible damage around chimneys and vents. But the best move? Have a local pro like Requeno’s Construction inspect it after a storm—it’s free, and we know what to look for.
- Should I call my insurance company before calling a roofer? No. Always call a trusted roofer first. We’ll inspect the roof and let you know if filing a claim makes sense. That way, you avoid unnecessary claims and get the documentation you need if it’s worth pursuing.
- What if the insurance adjuster says there’s no damage, but my roofer disagrees? It happens more than you’d think. We can meet with the adjuster during a reinspection, provide our documentation, and even connect you with a public adjuster if needed. You have the right to fight for a fair outcome.
- Can Requeno’s Construction help with the insurance process?Yes. We’re not just here to replace roofs—we’re here to protect homeowners. We’ll help you understand your policy, organize documentation, and deal with adjusters so you’re not doing it alone.
- What kind of roofs do you specialize in?
- We work with all types—architectural shingles, flat roofs, tile, slate, and premium metal systems. Whether your McLean home has a traditional or custom roof, we’ve got the experience to handle it.
McLean, VA | 
Licensed & Insured | 
(301) 473-0762