When it comes to your roof, home insurance policies include a limited number of causes that are grounds for replacement. However, not all policies provide the same level of coverage, and some insurance companies are more flexible than others when it comes to approving claims. So, it’s best to do your research and really understand your policy before signing on the dotted line. If your claim is denied, it will very likely be for one of the following reasons:
- Wear and Tear
Modern roofing materials endure longer and handle harder conditions, yet all decay over time. If you buy a home with 30-year-old composite shingles and they leak after a few years, the shingles may be worn out. Natural degradation is not covered by your home insurance policy, so incorporate it into your budget, or negotiate with the homeowner before buying an older home. - Previous Damage
In many areas of the country, 30 years without a storm that produces enough damage to need a roof repair is unusual. Your home insurance policy won’t cover earlier damage. It will only cover the most recent catastrophe, so if old and new damage is causing your roof system to fail, the company may deny your claim. - Partial Damage
The insurance adjuster must assess that a partial repair cannot restore the roof to its prior condition before approving a full roof replacement. Unfortunately, the criteria for evaluating partial damage differs by the insurance company and by the adjuster who inspects your roof. Because partial damage determinations are arbitrary, they’re often overturned. - Manufacturers Defect
If a manufacturer defect caused your roof to fail, your insurer won’t cover replacement costs. Almost all major roofing manufacturers offer a limited warranty with their products. What the warranty covers depends on the manufacturer and warranty you select, so ask your roofing contractor about additional coverage before installation. - Claims Filed Too Late
Most home insurance policies require filing a claim within a reasonable time and replacing damaged items within 365 days. If you don’t contact your insurance company in writing with a valid cause for the delay and an extension request, the insurance company may deny your claim.
What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
- Know why your claim was rejected. When you file a hail claim (or any claim), you must receive a written explanation within 15 days. The letter should explain the denial and cite the policy section that justifies it. Insist on an insurance denial letter if you don’t have one.
- Review your insurance policy. Understand your insurance policy. If hail damage is covered and the claim is denied, the insurer acted in bad faith. Compare the denial reason(s) with your policy. If the reasons are unclear, ask your insurer for a written explanation.
- Document everything. The date of damage, damage specifics and images or videos should all be documented. Keep the claim and all related correspondence. Finally, record any claims-related interactions with dates, times and persons. If you didn’t start from the beginning, that’s okay – just keep going.
- Hire experts to enforce your policy. Get help enforcing your insurance coverage if necessary. You have a valid claim and fulfilled your contract obligations, thus the insurer should pay. You should hire experts and lawyers as big insurance companies do.
Get your claim approved with the help of a knowledgeable roofing contractor! Goodrich Roofing has been roofing homes in Duke City for nearly 70 years, and our work can be found on the finest homes across the region. Large or small, we do it all when it comes to roofing projects. Give us a call at (505) 560-1644, or fill out our online form. We serve our customers in New Mexico and the surrounding areas.