What Should I Do If My Roof Insurance Claim Gets Denied?

Roof insurance claims are frequently refused, leaving homeowners to wonder how they can fund the repair costs on their own. This is a pretty stressful situation, especially if you've been paying your house insurance premiums for years. The good thing is that you can appeal against it. In this post, we will discuss why your roof insurance claim gets denied and what you should do if your claim is denied. 

Why Does a Roof Insurance Claim Get Denied?

When it comes to the roof of your building, the insurance policy covers only a few aspects that guarantee a replacement of the roof. However, not all policies will provide the same level of coverage, and some insurance companies are more accommodating than others in approving claims. So, it is essential to do your homework and understand the roof insurance claim process thoroughly. If your claim gets denied, it will undoubtedly be due to one of the following reasons:

Wear and Tear of the Roof

While contemporary roofing materials endure longer and can handle harsher weather, all materials degrade over time. If you buy a property with 30-year-old composite shingles and it starts leaking after a few years, the shingles may have simply reached the end of their life. This is usually the case if the previous owner neglected routine maintenance. Such wear and tear of the roof is usually not covered under the roof insurance policy. 

Claims Filed Too Late

Some claims get rejected if they are filed too late. Ideally, damaged property must be replaced within 365 days of damage. If you fail to do so or inform your insurance company about the same, they will most likely refuse your claim. You should provide a valid reason for the delay or request for an extension of time so that your request does not get rejected. This is one of the most common mistakes made in the roof insurance claim process.

Old Damage to the Roof

Many roofs are unlikely to survive 30 years without a storm, causing enough damage to necessitate a roof repair. However, keep in mind that your insurance policy will not cover the damage that was caused under an old policy. Insurance will only cover damage that is caused by the most recent occurrence, so if a combination of new and old damage causes your roof to fail, they may refuse your claim based on the fact that prior damage is the primary source of the problem. 

Partial Damage to the Roof

A roof claim will be rejected if the adjuster feels the roof does not require complete replacement and a partial repair can restore it to its original state. Unfortunately, the criteria for recognizing partial damage vary from company to company, and it may finally come down to the insurance adjuster appointed to evaluate your roof. This is a tricky situation because determining partial damage is subjective, and minor damage is one of the most frequent denials.

Manufacturing Defects

While manufacturers make efforts to maintain quality control on their products, defective materials used usually cause your roof to degrade well before the intended life expectancy. If it is determined that your roof system has failed because of a manufacturing defect, your insurance company will not cover replacement costs. However, practically all major roofing product manufacturers provide a standard warranty. You can talk to the roof company about warranties with additional coverage.

Interpretation of the Insurance Adjuster

When your insurance adjuster inspects your roof, keep in mind that he is not a professional roofer or contractor, and his knowledge is restricted to the training provided by their insurance company. Even the most well-intentioned adjuster may ignore the indicators of damage, resulting in your claim not being approved due to a lack of understanding. This is why having a professional roofing contractor meet your insurance adjuster for the inspection is a good idea.

What Should I Do If My Roof Insurance Claim Gets Rejected?

If your insurance company denies your claim for roof insurance, you must act quickly. The following are the most significant steps to take to get the money you deserve:

Examine Your Insurance Policy 

The first step is to review your insurance policy thoroughly. Find out the reason why your claim was refused. Was it denied because it was not covered in the policy, or was it denied because of something else? There could be a simple explanation for why your claim was refused.

Contact the Insurance Company

If you are unable to understand the reason why your claim was refused, you should contact your insurance company. Obtain additional information about the denial, and if there is still no good justification, inform the insurance company that you will be contesting it. 

Dispute the Insurance Verdict

If you believe your claim was refused unfairly, you can appeal the verdict and request a second examination. Each insurance company has its own dispute procedure, but they will have their own adjuster to reevaluate your roof damage. After evaluating the facts, the adjuster may discover fresh evidence indicating that your policy should pay for the damage.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection Done

It is recommended that you contact a skilled roofing specialist and not an adjuster to undertake an additional examination and inspect your roof. A second, more objective perspective ensures that you are receiving all important information.  

Seek Legal Advice from the Counsel

If the roof company discovers evidence that you were wrongfully denied your insurance claim, it's time to seek legal help. Get in touch with a professional insurance dispute attorney and get some professional assistance. They can help you with filing an appeal and getting your claim approved, giving you peace of mind.  

Conclusion

If your roof insurance claim gets denied, it's essential to understand the reasons behind the rejection. To address these issues, carefully review your insurance policy, gather comprehensive evidence, and consider appealing the decision. By following the necessary steps and working with your insurance company, you can improve your chances of a successful claim.