The Frustration of a Denied Roof Claim
You’ve done everything right—filed a claim with your insurance company after discovering roof damage, submitted all the required paperwork, and waited patiently for a response. Then you get the news: Your claim has been denied.
Frustrating, right? Many homeowners assume that if their roof insurance claim is denied, there’s nothing more they can do. But that’s not the case. A denied claim isn’t always the final word. In fact, there are multiple steps you can take to challenge the decision, provide additional evidence, and even request a second inspection.
Let’s go over the most common reasons roof claims are denied and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
Why Was Your Roof Insurance Claim Denied?
Before challenging a denied claim, it’s important to understand why your insurance company refused coverage. Some of the most common reasons include:
Pre-Existing Damage or Wear and Tear – Insurance companies cover sudden, accidental damage, not damage that develops over time. If they determine that the issue was due to normal aging, poor maintenance, or pre-existing conditions, they may deny your claim.
Improper Roof Installation or Repairs – If your roof was installed incorrectly or repaired using non-approved materials, your claim could be denied. Many insurance policies require roofs to meet specific building codes and manufacturer guidelines.
Lack of Maintenance – Neglecting routine roof maintenance can lead to claim denials. Insurance providers expect homeowners to take preventive action, such as clearing debris, fixing minor leaks, and addressing wear and tear.
Missed Filing Deadlines – Most insurance policies have a strict timeframe for filing claims after a storm or damage occurs. If you wait too long, your claim may be automatically rejected.
Insufficient Documentation – If your claim lacks detailed photos, inspection reports, or evidence of storm damage, the insurance company may not approve it. The more proof you provide, the better your chances.
Excluded Causes of Damage – Every homeowner’s policy has exclusions. If your roof was damaged by an uncovered event (such as earthquakes, floods, or gradual leaks), your claim won’t be approved.
Discrepancies Between Your Roofer’s Estimate and the Insurance Adjuster’s Report – If your contractor’s estimate is significantly higher than the insurance adjuster’s assessment, the insurer may deny the claim or reduce the payout.
What to Do If Your Roof Claim Is Denied
A denied claim isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Here’s how to fight back and improve your chances of getting coverage.
1. Review Your Policy Carefully
Start by reading through your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Look for key details like:
What types of damage are covered?
Are there exclusions that may have impacted the decision?
What are the claim appeal procedures?
If anything seems unclear, contact your insurance provider and ask for clarification.
2. Request a Written Explanation of the Denial
Insurance companies are required to provide a written explanation of why your claim was denied. Request this documentation if you haven’t already received it. This will help you determine whether you have grounds for an appeal.
3. Gather Additional Evidence
If your claim was denied due to lack of documentation or insufficient proof of damage, take action to strengthen your case. Consider:
Hiring a trusted roofing contractor to perform a second inspection.
Taking high-resolution photos of all visible damage.
Collecting weather reports to prove storm-related damage occurred.
Finding past roof maintenance records to show proper upkeep.
4. File an Appeal
Most insurance companies allow homeowners to appeal denied claims. The appeal process typically involves:
Submitting additional evidence (photos, reports, and estimates).
Providing a written statement explaining why you disagree with the denial.
Requesting a reinspection by a different adjuster.
5. Get a Public Adjuster Involved
If you’re struggling to get a fair response, consider hiring a licensed public adjuster. Unlike insurance company adjusters (who work for the insurer), public adjusters work for you and can negotiate on your behalf to get a better settlement.
6. Request a Supplement
If your insurance company partially approved your claim but the payout isn’t enough to cover the full cost of repairs, your contractor can file a supplement request. This involves submitting additional evidence that the initial claim amount was insufficient.
7. Consider Legal Action as a Last Resort
If all else fails and you strongly believe your claim was wrongfully denied, you may want to consult an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes. This should only be done if you’ve exhausted all other options.
How to Avoid Claim Denials in the Future
Preventing a denied claim starts before damage ever occurs. Here’s how to keep your insurance coverage strong:
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections – Annual inspections help identify minor issues before they turn into claim-denying problems.
Document Your Roof’s Condition – Take photos of your roof before storm season so you have clear evidence of pre-damage conditions.
Act Fast After a Storm – File claims promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
Work with a Reputable Roofing Contractor – A trusted roofer can properly document storm damage and communicate with your insurance provider.
Final Thoughts: Can You Do Anything If Your Roof Claim Is Denied?
Yes, you can challenge a denied roof insurance claim. Many denials are based on insufficient evidence, policy misunderstandings, or minor technicalities. By reviewing your policy, gathering additional proof, and appealing the decision, you can often get your claim approved or negotiate a better settlement.
At Tier-One Roofing, we work closely with homeowners to navigate the insurance claim process and ensure they receive the coverage they deserve for roof repairs or replacements.
📞 Need help with a denied roof claim? Call us today at (918) 393-4682 or visit www.tier-oneroofing.com for expert guidance!