Introduction: What Now?
If your roof insurance claim has been denied, you might feel stuck, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. After all, you’ve paid your premiums and expected your insurance to cover storm or hail damage. But here’s the good news: a denied claim doesn’t have to be the final word.
Insurance companies don’t always get it right, and many homeowners successfully appeal their denied claims with the right approach. If your claim was rejected, don’t panic—you still have options.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five key steps to fight back and improve your chances of getting the coverage you deserve.
Step 1: Review the Denial Letter Carefully
The first thing you should do after receiving a denial is review the letter from your insurance company. This document outlines why your claim was denied and provides critical information about your policy coverage.
Common reasons insurance companies deny roof claims:
Wear and Tear: If the insurer determines that your roof damage is due to aging rather than a covered event, they may deny your claim.
Pre-Existing Damage: If the insurance adjuster believes the damage occurred before the event you reported, they may refuse coverage.
Lack of Maintenance: Some claims get denied if the insurer believes you neglected necessary roof upkeep.
Excluded Damage: Not all types of roof damage are covered by every policy. Wind, hail, and storm damage are typically included, but some policies exclude certain situations.
Missed Deadlines: Insurance claims have strict timeframes. If you wait too long after discovering the damage, your claim may be automatically denied.
Knowing the exact reason for the denial will help you build a stronger case when you appeal.
Step 2: Gather Additional Evidence
If your claim was denied due to insufficient proof of damage, you’ll need to gather strong supporting evidence to challenge the decision. This means documenting your roof’s condition before and after the storm.
What to collect:
High-quality photos and videos of your roof before the damage (if available) and immediately after.
Date-stamped weather reports showing a storm, hail, or high winds at your location.
A second opinion from a roofing contractor who specializes in insurance claims.
Inspection reports that highlight structural issues caused by storm damage.
A professional roofer, like Tier-One Roofing, can provide a detailed inspection and report, which carries more weight than an insurance adjuster’s assessment.
Step 3: Request a Second Inspection
Insurance adjusters aren’t perfect, and mistakes happen. If you believe your claim was wrongly denied, you have the right to request a reinspection.
How to request a second inspection:
Contact your insurance company and politely ask for a re-evaluation of your claim.
Provide any new evidence you’ve gathered from a roofing professional.
If possible, have your roofer present during the reinspection to ensure a fair assessment.
Many homeowners see success at this stage because adjusters can miss subtle damage or fail to properly document the extent of the issue.
Step 4: Work With a Public Adjuster
If your insurance company refuses to budge, it may be time to bring in a public adjuster—a licensed professional who advocates for you, not the insurer.
How a public adjuster helps:
They assess your claim independently and negotiate on your behalf.
They understand insurance policies inside and out and can identify where the insurer may be undervaluing your damage.
If necessary, they’ll help file an official dispute with the insurance company.
Hiring a public adjuster can significantly increase your chances of receiving a fair payout, especially for complex roof claims.
Step 5: File an Appeal or Consider Legal Action
If all else fails, you can formally appeal your denied claim. Most insurance companies have an appeals process where you can submit additional documentation and request a review.
Steps to file an appeal:
Write a formal appeal letter explaining why you believe the claim should be approved.
Include all supporting documents, photos, weather reports, and inspection reports.
Submit the appeal within your policy’s time limits (usually within 30-60 days of the denial).
If your appeal is still denied and you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith, you may want to consult an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes. However, legal action should be a last resort after exhausting all other options.
Final Thoughts: Can You Fight a Denied Roof Claim?
Yes, you can fight back against a denied roof insurance claim. Many claims are initially denied due to missing documentation, adjuster errors, or policy misinterpretations. By carefully reviewing your denial letter, gathering strong evidence, and seeking a second opinion, you can increase your chances of approval.
At Tier-One Roofing, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate roofing insurance claims. If your claim was denied, we can provide a detailed inspection report, advocate for you, and ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
📞 Need help with a denied claim? Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 or visit www.tier-oneroofing.com to schedule a consultation today!