Why Roof Damage Insurance Claims May Be Denied

When you buy a roof insurance policy, you expect the insurer to act promptly when you file a damage claim. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Even so, processing your claim can take longer than you expect. You could also wait for an answer, only to learn the insurance company has denied your claim.

Insurance companies can deny policyholders’ roof damage claims for various reasons. If this happened to you, any of the following could be the reason you got a denial notice:

• Your insurance policy does not have enough coverage.
• You did not meet your policy’s deductible. 
• You did not pay your insurance premiums or did not pay them on time.
• The policy does not cover the roof damage you claimed.
• The roof had pre-existing damage.
• Your roof is uninsurable because it is old.
• Your roof did not receive proper maintenance.
• Your roof was not installed properly.
• The insurance company says someone else is liable for the roof’s damage.

Insurers can also deny roof damage claims if policyholders do not file them on time or pay their premiums on time.

What to Do Now that Your Roof Insurance Claim Is Denied

The first thing to do is read the insurance company’s letter carefully so that you understand the reason for the denial. You should also review your policy to see what events your policy covers and if it lists any exclusions. You can compare your policy’s text to what the insurer says in the letter. 

If you challenge the insurance provider’s decision, you can call the insurance company and ask a representative to explain the denial. If you want to take your case further, you can file an appeal. You can also work with a property insurance claims attorney, who can lead your case. 

How a Lawyer Can Help You Challenge a Denied Roof Damage Insurance Claim

An insurance claim denial does not automatically mean the end of the road. If you want legal help, you can talk with a property damage lawyer before contacting your insurance company. An attorney knows your state’s insurance laws and can use their years of legal experience to protect your rights and guide your case. 

When you meet with an attorney, bring the denial letter, a copy of your insurance policy, your claim, and the evidence supporting it. The attorney can review all your documents and explain your options for recovery. 

If you hire them, they can: 

• Investigate the incident that damaged your roof
• Gather additional documentation of your roof’s damage (e.g., an inspection report, photos of the damage, video camera footage, witness statements)
• Challenge the evidence the insurance adjuster presented to deny your claim
• Identify your compensatory damages and assign a financial value to your case
• List all liable parties that owe you compensation 
• Build your case and notify the insurer of your dispute
• File your appeal with the insurance company and follow its process
• File a lawsuit if they cannot settle your case outside of court

You should look for an attorney who is committed to your full recovery and is comfortable with challenging all insurers, no matter their size or stature in the industry.

A Professional Opinion Could Help Your Roof Damage Appeal Case

Your attorney can consult with experts and professionals, who can offer detailed opinions about your roof. For example, they could schedule a licensed roofing contractor or company to inspect your roof and give you a written report on the damage, its cause, and more. You can use this information when challenging the insurance company.

An attorney can also monitor your case’s timeline and statute of limitations deadlines to ensure they file your lawsuit on time if necessary. This upholds your legal rights and gives you a path for pursuing financial recovery. 

Who Else Can Be Responsible for a Denied Roof Damage Claim?

If the insurance company denies liability, an attorney may have to identify other parties that could owe you monetary compensation. These can include:

• An independent contractor or company that installed the roof incorrectly
• An independent contractor or company that made the wrong repairs or made them poorly
• A manufacturer who made a defective roof or roof materials

Your attorney will have to prove the liable party’s negligence led to your roof damage before filing a personal injury lawsuit. You can call a lawyer and tell them about your situation so you can receive counsel that addresses your specific case.

Common Weather Events that Cause Roof Damage

In today’s changing climate, weather events are becoming more extreme, putting homeowners and business owners at risk of paying higher costs just to keep an intact roof overhead. Extreme heat during the summer months can warp a roof’s asphalt shingles or make them brittle before they fall apart. In the winter, heavy snow can cause a roof to cave under its weight. 

Hailstorms can also damage a roof, causing dents, cracks, and holes. In 2022, Texas led the U.S. in hail events with nearly 460 incidents, the Information Insurance Institute (III) reports. Strong winds and heavy rains can cause extensive damage to a roof in ways property owners may not see coming. Over time, avoiding regular roof maintenance for potential issues could put a damage claim in jeopardy.

You can’t control the weather, but you can maintain your roof’s condition by getting regular inspections and replacing weathered or worn materials. Any of the following can also cause roof damage:

• Leaks and other water damage
• Fire damage
• Fungus, mold, and/or mildew
• Improper installation
• Infestations (such as from rats or carpenter bees) 

Call Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC Today for Help With a Roof Damage Insurance Claim

If you haven’t been able to collect a payout on a roof damage claim, it may be time to get legal help with the claims process. Denied roof damage insurance claims are common, so it could be worth it to review your options for an appeal. A property damage lawyer from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC can review the insurance company’s denial and determine your next steps in the dispute process. 

We are familiar with various property damage policies, including homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and general liability insurance, and can advocate for a settlement that covers your damaged roof and related losses. Call us today for a free, no-risk consultation for a denied roof claim.