When your roof is damaged by a storm, the last thing you want to hear from your insurance company is that your roofing insurance claim is denied. It’s frustrating, stressful, and can leave you wondering what your next steps should be. Fortunately, there are ways to appeal a denied claim and ensure your roof gets the care it needs. We’ve helped countless homeowners through this process, and in this guide, we’ll explain the key steps you should take if your claim gets denied.
Why Claims Get Denied
Insurance companies have strict criteria for approving claims, especially when it comes to roof damage. The adjuster will typically look for a specific level of damage, such as a minimum of 8 to 10 hail hits in a 10×10 square section of your roof. If they don’t find enough damage to meet their requirements, your claim could be denied.
Common Reasons for Claim Denial:
- Insufficient Damage: The adjuster didn’t find enough damage to warrant a full roof replacement.
- Pre-Existing Issues: Damage caused by wear and tear, rather than a recent storm, is often excluded from coverage.
- Incorrect Filing Procedures: Filing errors or incomplete documentation can lead to denials.
This is why having a trusted roofing contractor by your side is essential. We ensure everything is properly documented and presented to the insurance adjuster.
Importance of a Trusted Contractor
The best way to handle a roofing insurance claim, whether it’s approved or denied, is to have a reputable contractor on your side from the start. We at Precision Roofing make it a priority to meet the insurance adjuster on-site during their inspection. Why? Because it helps keep the process fair and transparent.
How We Help:
- Ensure a Thorough Inspection: Without a contractor present, some adjusters may rush through the inspection or even conduct it from the ground, missing key details. We make sure they conduct a proper, detailed inspection.
- Advocate for You: If the adjuster overlooks something, we’re there to point it out and ensure all damage is accurately recorded.
- Provide Expert Insights: As experts, we know exactly what insurance companies are looking for and can identify damage they may have missed.
What to Do If Your Claim is Denied
If your roofing insurance claim is denied, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step process we recommend:
1. Review the Denial Letter
Your insurance company will send a letter explaining why your claim was denied. Carefully review the reasons provided. Sometimes, it’s a matter of missing information or insufficient documentation.
2. Contact a Trusted Contractor
We can perform a detailed inspection of your roof to determine if the adjuster missed anything. If we find sufficient damage that meets the insurance company’s criteria, we can help you prepare for an appeal.
3. Request a Reinspection
Once we’ve confirmed the damage, we’ll help you request a reinspection from your insurance company. This time, we’ll be present to ensure everything is thoroughly documented.
4. File an Appeal
If the insurance company still denies your claim, we’ll guide you through the appeal process. This involves submitting additional evidence and documentation, such as photos, measurements, and detailed reports.
5. Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster
In some cases, it may be beneficial to hire a public adjuster. These professionals work independently from your insurance company and can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Preventing Claim Denials
While it’s not always possible to prevent a denial, taking proactive steps can improve your chances of getting your claim approved.
Tips for a Successful Claim:
- Document Damage Immediately: Take photos of your roof and property immediately after the storm.
- Hire a Reputable Contractor: We provide thorough inspections and honest assessments, ensuring you don’t waste time on a claim that won’t be approved.
- Keep Records: Save all correspondence with your insurance company and contractor.
- Understand Your Policy: Know what your insurance policy covers and any exclusions that may apply.
In Summary
Dealing with a denied roofing insurance claim can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. With the right contractor by your side, you can appeal the decision and potentially get the coverage you need. At Precision Roofing, we specialize in helping homeowners manage the insurance claim process, from the initial inspection to filing an appeal.
If your roofing insurance claim is denied, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.
