If you live in hurricane-prone Florida, you know firsthand the devastating impact a powerful storm can have on your roof. You might assume that filing an insurance claim to make repairs would be straightforward.
Despite doing everything correctly, numerous coverage requests are denied, which can leave homeowners feeling helpless and vulnerable. However, there’s no need to worry.
You can increase the likelihood of getting your roof claim approved with help from experts like Hurricane Roofer. This will allow you to enjoy your property again.
In this blog post, we will discuss the common reasons why claims are denied. We will also provide tips on how to prevent or resolve these issues, ensuring a stress-free experience when finalizing your coverage.
Understanding the reasons why your roof claim was denied
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It shields you from the elements, and it helps maintain the value of your property.
When disaster strikes and your roof sustains damage, your first impulse is to file a claim with your insurance company. Unfortunately, sometimes these claims get denied.
Don’t panic. There are many reasons your claim may have been denied.
- Wear and tear: While modern roofing materials are lasting longer and able to withstand harsher conditions, all materials will degrade over time.
- Previous Damage: In many areas of the country, it’s unlikely to go 30 years without a storm that causes enough damage to warrant a roof replacement under a standard home insurance policy.
- Partial Damage: In order for insurance to approve a claim for a full roof replacement, the Insurance Adjuster needs to determine that enough damage has occurred to the roofing system that a partial repair cannot restore the roof to its previous condition.
- Manufacturers Defect: While manufacturers will try their best to maintain quality control on their products, sometimes defective products make their way onto your roof.
- Claims Filed Too Late: Most home insurance policies include language that states that a claim must be filed within a reasonable time, and damaged property must be replaced within 365 days from the time damage was incurred.
- Insurance Adjuster Interpretation: Whenever you have a roof inspection completed by your Insurance Adjuster, it’s important to understand that an Insurance Adjuster is not a professional roofer or contractor, and their expertise is often limited to the training they receive from the insurance company.
Understanding these reasons will help you take necessary steps to avoid or address them, ultimately increasing your chances of getting your claim approved.
Review the policy documents provided to you by your insurer to confirm what is covered
It is important you understand your insurance policy documents. Take the time to review your insurance documents with a trusted professional, so you have a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize the gaps in your coverage.
Regularly review your policy documents so you know that you have the right protection for your home. Remember, not all insurance policies are created equal, so it’s important to know what your policy covers in case of an emergency.
Gather additional evidence to help support your claim
When you’re making a claim, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. One valuable tool is taking photos of any damage that may have occurred. Pictures can help demonstrate the extent of the damage and can be useful in proving your point.
At Hurricane Roofer, we offer a Free Drone Inspection that will document the condition of your roof with dated photos, videos and the proof you need to combat the denial of your insurance claim. When you have concrete evidence to back up your claim, you’ll be better equipped to make your case to the people who need to hear it.
Contact a roofing contractor for an inspection and repair estimate
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and it’s important to keep it in top condition. If you suspect any damage, it’s essential to contact a roofing contractor for an inspection and repair estimate.
Not only will we provide a thorough evaluation of your roof, but our expertise will ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Review the insurance company’s response and determine if you have grounds for appeal
When it comes to insurance claims, the response from the insurance company can either be a sigh of relief or a major headache. If you find yourself in a situation where the insurance company’s response is not in your favor, all hope is not lost.
Take a deep breath and review the response with a careful eye. Look for any grounds for appeal and gather any additional evidence or information that could strengthen your case. Remember, appealing an insurance decision can be a complex process, but it’s worth it if it means getting the coverage you need.
Know when it’s time to seek legal counsel
When dealing with insurance companies, it’s important to know when you should seek legal help to make sure you’re treated fairly. Insurance companies are businesses, and like any business, they want to make money. So, they may not always have your best interests in mind and might try to pay less on a claim.
If you think your insurer is being unfair or you’re having trouble getting the coverage you need, it might be a good idea to talk to a lawyer who specializes in insurance law. They can guide you through the complicated world of insurance policies and make sure you get the coverage and compensation you deserve.
Roof claims can often be denied due to different interpretations of your insurance policy. To assess whether a denial is accurate, you can review the policy documents with a professional and gather additional evidence. If appealing doesn’t seem possible and you can’t come to an agreement with your insurer, it’s worth considering seeking legal advice from a professional.
Hurricane Roofer can help you navigate the entire roof-claim process. Our team provides consulting and advocacy services backed by our network of Layers, Public Adjusters, and Industry Experts to ensure you have all the necessary resources on hand.