How to Get Insurance to Pay for a Roof Replacement After a Storm

Getting insurance to pay for a roof replacement after a storm is not always as easy as it should be. You have to make sure your claim is well-documented and filed in a timely manner. If the insurer asks for additional information or disputes the claim, you would have to provide further proof that your claim is legitimate.

The insurance claims process can be long and frustrating, but you have the right to hire a Corpus Christi insurance claims lawyer to assist you.

Steps for Filing a Roof Replacement Claim

While everyone’s situation is different, the process of getting insurance to pay for a roof replacement after a storm often follows these general steps:

Collect Evidence of Roof Damage

The insurance company will only pay out if you have definitive proof that the storm caused your roof damage. They may want to see materials like:

• Photos of what the roof looked like before the storm
• Photos of post-storm damage to the roof
• Evidence of any temporary repairs you had done, such as erecting a tarp
• Estimates or quotes of how much it will cost to replace the roof
• Evidence of other expenses associated with the damaged roof, e.g., hotel bills if the house is not currently habitable and you are staying elsewhere

Identify the Right Storm Insurance Policy

You might have multiple insurance policies to cover damage done by different types of events. For example:

• If your home suffered fire damage, your homeowners’ insurance policy may suffice.
• If your roof collapsed in a hurricane, you might need to file a claim with windstorm insurance: according to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), not all homeowners’ insurance policies cover wind damage.

Filing with the right insurer the first time can prevent delays, denials, and frustration. Review your policies carefully or have our attorneys do it for you before filing a claim.

File Your Claim on Time

Different insurance companies may have different rules regarding how long you have to file a claim and what types of information you should include. Review your insurance company’s guidelines and comply with all of them as closely as possible.

If you have trouble finding or understanding the claim guidelines, you can always consult with our legal team. We can even file the claim on your behalf.

Keep Track of Your Storm Damage Claim

Do not assume the insurer will handle your claim quickly and get back to you with a positive response in a timely fashion. It may be necessary to follow up with the insurer several times or provide additional information before they accept your claim.

It is helpful to get a claim number when you file your claim. If and when you call the insurer for updates, write down the name of who you speak to and a summary of everything you talked about.

What if the Insurer Denies Your Roof Replacement Claim?

First, you will want to identify the reason for the denial. Some reasons are legitimate, such as if you filed a claim with the wrong insurer or used the wrong form. Some denials are the result of a misunderstanding or a mistake, such as if the insurer misfiled your paperwork.

Unfortunately, inappropriate denials are also very common. Insurance companies may use any number of tricks to get away with denying or underpaying storm damage claims, including:

• Taking a long time to respond to the claim or your inquiries
• Falsely stating that the damage was caused by an event they do not cover
• Falsely stating that you allowed the roof to fall into disrepair or did not adequately prepare for the storm that caused the damage
• Offering to pay for roof repairs when a complete replacement is necessary
• Undervaluing how much it will cost to replace the roof
• Refusing to pay for other damage caused by the damaged roof, such as water damage caused when rain fell through the hole in the roof
• Saying that you have not sent in sufficient evidence or demanding evidence that is irrelevant to your claim

Encountering obstacles like these can be frustrating, especially when you already have so much to worry about. Our lawyers know how to fight back against these tactics:

• We can speak to the insurer on your behalf so they do not get a chance to misrepresent what you say.
• We can work with the insurance company to reach an agreement that both sides find acceptable.
• We can dispute any untrue claims they make about how the damage happened or the value of your damages by presenting the strongest available evidence.
• We can stay in contact with the insurer throughout your case to make sure they do not engage in bad-faith tactics or violate your rights as a homeowner.

What Can You Get Compensation for When Your Roof Is Damaged in a Storm?

The specific types of costs and losses your insurance covers may vary depending on your policy. You might be able to receive money for things like:

• The cost of labor and materials required to replace the roof
• The cost of staying somewhere else, like a motel, if you cannot stay in your home until repairs are finished
• Replacing personal possessions, appliances, and furniture that were damaged when your roof collapsed
• Other assorted costs associated with the storm damage

An insurance claims attorney from our firm can ensure you seek compensation for everything you need to replace your roof and make your home safe and habitable again.

After a Storm, Call Our Insurance Attorneys

Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, is committed to maximizing your compensation. If you are struggling to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement after a storm, or if you have not filed a claim yet and are unsure of where to start, call today. Our legal team will assess your case at no charge and help you identify next steps.