1/7/25
Insurance companies will often try to deny your roof claim by many means. Some will say there isn’t enough damage and others will say you simply don’t have coverage for the damage. Since we have dealt with some insurance claims and their process we have learned a couple of things along the way.
Please remember that you may have a situation that differs from this and it is very important for you to understand your policy and what it will and won’t. You should always do your due-diligence.
Insurance companies often deny claims for many reasons. The most common we have found are…
Many policies do not cover damage from normal wear and tear. There are ways to tell if your roof has been damaged by weather or it is simply started to show its age are simple. The lifespan of Asphalt roofing tends to be about 30 years, and if it is starting to fade or deteriorate, then it has probably reached the end of its life. In this case, insurance will likely deny your claim.
When buying a home, you must get a roof inspection to check for existing damage, as insurance policies often do not cover this. After receiving a roof inspection and quote, factor any necessary roof replacement into your budget. Discovering leaks a couple of years after purchasing your home is never a pleasant surprise.
There may simply not be enough damage on your roof for the insurance company to justify your claim. In most cases, for insurance to cover your roof replacement, there must be enough damage in at least one square for it to be considered in need of repair. In this case, there isn’t much, if anything, you can do.
Every policy is different. But you can expect insurance policies to have some type of print that says you must file your claim in a timely manner. You may be able to appeal this decision, but your claim will likely remain denied.
You and your neighbor may have very different insurance policies. Your neighbor may have told you theirs has paid them out, and they have a new roof, while yours has been denied. It is very possible your policy doesn’t cover damage to your roof claim. In this case, it is important for you to go over your policy and make sure of whether you do or do not have coverage for such an event. If, in the unfortunate case, you find you, in fact, do not have this type of coverage, then there is not much you can do.
Even with an Insurance Adjuster that has the brightest and purest intentions may not be knowledgeable in the field as many of them have not had onsite experience. They might be restricted by the training given by the insurance company, potentially overlooking damage that could be crucial for getting your claim approved.
Modern roofing materials are engineered for longevity and durability, incorporating advanced technology and innovative design. Although most manufacturers have great quality control, unfortunately, mistakes can still happen, and it can lead to defective roofing material sometimes ending up on your home. Fortunately, most roofing material manufacturers offer a warranty covering this type of situation, but they may also be a struggle. While if this does happen, the insurance company might find themselves not liable, and the manufacturer may be liable in the best-case scenario.
If you have “law and ordinance” coverage, then claims may approved due to your roof no longer being up to local code and regulations. There aren’t many contractors that understand building codes and are able to point it out to the adjuster.
Roof damage can cause leaks that don’t just damage the outside of your house but also the interior of your home. Most insurance policy coverage doesn’t end on the outside, and you can most likely get a claim in for the damage to the exterior of your home due to defective roofing material sometimes ending up on your home. Fortunately, most roofing material manufacturers offer a warranty covering this situation, but they may also be a struggle. If this does happen, the insurance company might find themselves not liable, and the manufacturer may be liable in the best-case scenario.
Filing an appeal and having a knowledgeable contractor on site who understands the insurance process and why they would deny your claim and additionally point out damage the inspector may have missed will dramatically increase the chances of your insurance roof claim getting approved.
Remember all situations with insurance are different and it is important to understand the situation that you are in. If you have any questions about the insurance process don’t hesitate to call (571) 500-4660 or Contact Us.
