Filing an insurance claim is usually one of the first things that come to mind when dealing with a storm-damaged roof. As a homeowner, however, you have to do everything you can to prove to your insurance company that you are entitled to receive compensation that will help cover the expenses for your roof repair or replacement. Unfortunately, it is also likely that your claim may be denied. The following are some of the potential reasons why this can happen:
1. Wear and tear. Weathering is a normal part of a roof’s aging process. Thus, it isn’t covered by your insurance policy. You’re only covered by your homeowner’s insurance if your roof suffered damage because of a storm, wind-blown debris, or any other severe weather event. Damage as a result of hail isn’t usually covered by your existing policy, which means you may have to buy a separate one to augment the one you already have.
2. Poor maintenance. Your insurance provider may deny your claim if they find that your roof isn’t maintained regularly. For them, it is your responsibility to keep tabs on your roof’s overall condition. If it is already in bad shape to begin with and it suffered greatly because of a storm, your roof claim will likely be denied. As such, you’ll want to make sure you prioritize inspections and maintenance so you remain eligible under your current policy.
3. Filed too late. You may also be denied your roof claim if you missed the filing deadline. The same can happen if you didn’t notify your insurance provider the reason why you failed to submit it within the deadline and requested that the filing window be extended.
Dealing With Denied or Underpaid Roof Claims
Whether you feel your roof claim was wrongfully denied or got approved but the payout isn’t enough to cover the expenses of the roof repair, make sure that every important piece of documentation has been submitted to your insurance company based on their guidelines. While appeals help get the denied claim overturned, your best chances of approval happen when you back up your roof claim with enough evidence early on. It also helps that you work with a trusted team of professionals like 4U Roofing who can navigate the insurance claims process with you.
Whether you are positive that your home’s roofing situation will make for a valid insurance claim or you have any questions about how to handle the process with ease, 4U Roofing can help you decide what to do next. Call us now at (251) 235-2222, or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We serve clients in and around Loxley, Robertsdale and Summerdale, AL.
