You’ve started to notice that your neighbors have been getting their roofs replaced. Maybe you know there was a recent hailstorm; maybe the neighborhood is reaching that age where roof replacement becomes inevitable. You venture out, talk to your neighbors, and discover that homeowner’s insurance has been paying for their new roofs! Now, you make the call. Unfortunately, you find your roof insurance claim denied.
Why was your neighbor approved for a new roof via insurance but you were not? In this article, we will walk you through the ins-and-outs of roof insurance claims and why you may be getting denied. Let’s get started.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Repair?
In general, homeowners insurance will cover roof repairs that are related to a recent and unexpected incident. This can include a massive windstorm, hail damage, tree branches falling, and more. However, there are many factors at play when negotiating with your insurance company. Your insurance adjuster will come out and inspect your roof, looking at many different elements to determine if you are eligible for insurance coverage.
Homeowners insurance will most often NOT cover age-related wear and tear. If your shingles are starting to weaken and break, this is considered normal aging and would not typically be covered. In addition, if your roof has been poorly maintained and appears to have an overall unhealthy appearance, your insurance company will likely deny your roof insurance claim.
While homeowners insurance does cover roof damages, the answer really isn’t that straightforward. It’s always best to bring in an expert roofer to determine the best course of action for filing your roof insurance claim.
Why Was My Neighbor Approved for a New Roof via Insurance But I Wasn't?
When a severe storm moves through the area, roof replacements become more frequent. For many homeowners, storm-related roof damages lead to a roof insurance claim that is approved, granting them a new roof. However, others are still left with a denied claim. Why is that?
There are a variety of reasons that you may find a roof insurance claim denied. From the roof age to the extent of damages, your homeowners insurance adjuster will be investigating many elements to decide on your claim status.
Many homeowners become frustrated with their insurance companies when their neighbors are approved for a roof replacement via insurance, yet they are being denied. However, it’s important to remember that insurance claims are individualized and specific to your home and needs. Let’s get into why your roof insurance claim may have been denied.
5 Reasons Your Roof Insurance Claim May Have Been Denied
We have listed some of the most common reasons that roof insurance claims will be denied. These are not the only reasons, but they are often found to be the culprit when one neighbor’s claim is approved, while another is denied. Read on to learn why your roof insurance claim may have been denied.
1. Roof is Past its Expected Lifespan
One of the first things your insurance company will want to know is how old your roof is. Regardless of damages, if your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, your insurance claim will likely be denied. Oftentimes, older and leaking roofs are considered to be age-related wear and tear, which is not covered under your homeowners insurance policy.
2. There’s Old & Existing Damage
If your roof has obvious signs of previous wear and tear, your insurance company will not be willing to pay for your roof replacement. Insurance companies often will only compensate for recent damages, not pre-existing problems. In addition, homeowners insurance policies will usually not cover damages that occurred under a different policy or homeowner. Therefore, if there is old damage, it’s likely your claim will be denied.
3. The Damages Don’t Warrant a Complete Replacement
Roof damage isn’t always predictable. It’s possible that your neighbor’s roof took more damage than yours during a recent storm. If there is minimal damage that will only require a small repair, your insurance company may not offer payment for your roof replacement.
4. It’s Too Late to File a Claim
Typically, insurance companies will put a time limit for reporting damages done to your roof. If the incident (such as a hailstorm) occurred long ago, the insurance company will not be willing to compensate for your roof replacement. It’s always best to act quickly after you suspect roofing damages so that you can be adequately compensated.
5.Your Insurance Adjuster Missed Something
Insurance adjusters are not roofers. They don’t always see the damages that may warrant a roof replacement. To avoid this problem, it’s best to call a roofer before contacting your insurance company. Then, the roofing company can deal directly with your insurance provider to get the proper compensation for your roof replacement.
Should I Call a Roofing Company or Insurance First?
It’s generally best practice to call in a roofing company the moment you suspect a problem. Whether a limb has fallen on your roof, strong winds have dislodged your shingles, or hail has left its mark on your roof, a roofer is the most important first step.
To begin, a roofing professional can accurately assess your roof. They can identify immediate problems and recommend the best course of action to avoid worsening complications. For example, a roofer will see your small leak and understand that this can quickly worsen. Therefore, they will offer you quick strategies to minimize the damages and prevent more serious issues.
In addition, your trusted roofing company will provide a detailed and accurate assessment of your roof, whereas an insurance adjuster may not be able to identify all of the most accurate information. Then, your roofers will deal directly with the homeowners insurance company regarding your roof insurance claim. This allows you to rest assured that you’re receiving the best compensation for your roof repair.
In short, you should call your trusted local roofer before reaching out to your homeowners insurance company.
Overview
Overall, there are a variety of reasons that your neighbor may have been approved for a new roof via insurance, whereas you find your roof insurance claim denied. These include the age and overall wellness of your roof, the timeline of the damages, the extent of the damages, and inadequate roof assessments from your insurance adjuster. To avoid complications with your roof insurance claim, it’s always best to call in a roofing company like Discount Roof before reaching out to your insurance provider. They will directly talk to your insurance company, giving them detailed and accurate answers so that you receive the best compensation.
Roof insurance claims can be complicated. One neighbor may be approved, while another is denied. With the help of an expert roofing contractor, you can be confident that you’re getting a fair and true response from your homeowners insurance company.
Discount Roof is Here for All Your Roof Insurance Claim Needs
Are you frustrated with roofing complications? Whether you have a leak or don’t understand why your roof insurance claim was denied, Discount Roof is here to help. Not only do we offer the best roof repair and roof replacement in Indiana, we also deal directly with your insurance company so that you don’t have to stress over the hassle. Contact us today BEFORE you call your homeowners insurance company. We’ll be right there to help!