DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – A 92-year-old Dearborn Heights man and his family were stunned when they received a letter in late March from State Farm. The insurance company said they would cancel the man’s home insurance if he didn’t replace his roof by May.
The man was not aware of any major deterioration to the roof. His family reached out to Local 4 for help and now the company says they are re-reviewing the issue.
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92-year-old Constantine Turza received a letter dated March 30. State Farm was notifying him that his policy would be canceled on May 4 and that the “roof on the home must be replaced as evidenced by the widespread deterioration of the shingles.”
“Cancellation from March to May 4th. Yes, kind of surprised me,” Raymond Turza, the man’s nephew said.
Constantine is a retired florist and has had State Farm home insurance for decades.
“I am not a roof expert, but it doesn’t look like it,” Raymond said when asked if the roof looked to be in disrepair.
Raymond Turza and his fellow cousins called State Farm’s local agent immediately after getting the letter.
“They have a record of a letter from October saying a survey company visited your home,” Raymond Turza said.
The October letter requested he also remove trimmings near the house, despite there being few trees close to the home.
Constantine Turza says wasn’t aware of any company like that coming by to check his roof for insurance purposes and he’s never had issues with the roof. He also doesn’t recall getting an October letter.
The letters claim the roof has structural and maintenance deficiencies.
If it does end up needing replaced, it would cost thousands he doesn’t have.
“I wish they could renew it from May 4th and give us more time now that the entire family is involved now,” Raymond Turza said.
His family is trying to go another route, but even that quote is high.
They say the local state farm agents have been helpful, but they are hopeful there’s another way forward.
“It would be in the 10 to 12 thousand (dollars) range,” Raymond Turza said.
“So to have a $10,000 bill that you weren’t expecting is a lot?” Local 4 asked.
“Correct, yes,” Raymond Turza said.
“Thank you for bringing our customer’s concern to us. We have submitted it to the appropriate partners for review,” State Farm said in a statement. “If customers believe a review doesn’t match the roof’s current condition, or repairs have already been completed, customers should contact their local State Farm agent. Recent photos, a roofing invoice, or an inspection report are helpful in these conversations.”