Roof Damage

Get Legal Support for Roof Damage of Any Property

What You Need to Know

Roof damage is probably one of the most significant events that can happen during homeownership. A roof that has lost its integrity can impact the structural health of the rest of your home very quickly. Accordingly, roof damage must be repaired as soon as possible.

When you bought your home, you almost certainly chose to buy homeowners insurance, and naturally you look to the insurance company to repair your home’s roof storm damage. Severe damage may present initially as a simple ceiling water leak. In this guide we address why an insurance company would deny your claim and how you can fight back.

Why Are Roof Damage Claims Denied?

At the outset, let’s state that most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage claims. Nevertheless, roof damage claims are denied under certain limited circumstances.

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Why Are Roof Damage Claims Denied?

At the outset, let’s state that most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage claims. Nevertheless, roof damage claims are denied under certain limited circumstances.

  • Neglect

    Roofs that are covered with debris or moss, have clogged gutters, or are generally unkempt are often disqualified from coverage. Insurance companies will try to attribute any roof damage to the neglect of the homeowner and not to an outside event (e.g., hail, wind etc.).

  • Age

    Insurance companies will often deny coverage for roofs that are twenty years or older. They do this because they claim roofs in this age bracket are at the end of their useful life and therefore any damage to them is more likely due to age than to an outside event.

  • Substandard Workmanship

    If prior to the event that caused the roof damage you had the roof repaired, the insurance company may consider those repairs, or the materials used, as substandard. In that case, the insurance company will try to attribute the roof damage to the substandard workmanship or materials.

  • Adjuster Interpretation

    The insurance company adjuster will have their own subjective interpretation of the cause of the roof damage. Rightly or wrongly, they may find that the roof damage was not caused by the event that you claimed. As a result, they may deny your claim.

  • Damage Exclusions

    Homeowners insurance policies often have several insurance coverage exclusions, including but not limited to earthquake, hail, and wind. Be sure to review your policy to see if any exclusions apply to your situation.

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How to Fight a Denied Claim

If your roof damage claim has been denied, that is not the end of the story. You have the right to appeal your claim with the insurance company. Make sure you get the insurance company to put the denial in writing and state specifically why it denied your claim. Getting this statement is critical to a successful appeal.

Once you have the written denial and its reasons, take the following steps:

  • 1 Request a reinspection of the roof by the insurance company.
  • 2 Request a resolution date for your appeal. You want to hold the insurance company to a timeline for your appeal.
  • 3 Take multiple photos of the roof damage from several different angels. Photos are often the most helpful part of any appeal. In addition, any photos of the roof prior to the damage are very helpful.
  • 4 Hire a professional contractor that specializes in roof repair to inspect the roof. The contractor should also be present at the insurance company roof reinspection.
  • 5 Save all your receipts, invoices, and damage analysis involving the roof damage, repair, and inspection.

Lack of sufficient evidence is one of the most common reasons otherwise valid insurance claims are denied. Therefore, make sure you provide as much evidence as possible to support your appeal.

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Can I Keep the Insurance Money for My Roof?

Whether you received money for a roof replacement or a roof repair you may have a significant check from the insurance company. It is your money and you can do with it as you please, including not spending it on your damaged roof. However, it is extremely important that you review your mortgage documents, because mortgage companies often require that any insurance proceeds be spent on the purpose for which the proceeds were given. If you do not repair your roof, you could violate your mortgage agreement, which could cause major problems with your homeownership.

Lady Law Group Can Help Protect Your Home

Lady Law Group is a woman-led firm staffed with experienced roof damage claims lawyers, and we know how important it is to get a damaged roof repaired. With years of experience representing homeowners in insurance claims, we know how to best maximize your insurance coverage. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the funds you need to fix your home’s roof.