One of the most frustrating things that can happen to any homeowner after experiencing serious roof damage is for their roof claim to be denied. In order to appeal a roof claim denial, it is important to know why the roof insurance claim was denied in the first place. Here are four common reasons.
4 Reasons Insurers Reject Roof Claims
- Previous Damage: Your home insurance will only cover the damage brought about by the most recent event and not the damage that occurred under a previous insurance policy. So if old and new damage ultimately caused your roof to fail, your insurer may deny your claim based on the fact that the previous damage is the main cause of the failure.
- Claim Filed Too Late: Most home insurance policies state that a claim must be filed within a certain time period. If the homeowner fails to do so, the claim is likely to be denied. It may be as simple as requesting an inspection and meeting with a contractor that can help you avoid claim denial due to tardiness.
- Manufacturer Defect: If the insurer determines that a manufacturer defect is the cause of the roof failure, the insurer will not be accountable for the replacement cost. Reputable roofing manufacturers offer a standard limited warranty with the purchase of their products. What it covers depends on the specific manufacturer and the warranty you have selected.
- Wear and Tear: Your roof is not meant to last forever. Over time, it will experience wear and tear and begin to degrade when nearing the end of its expected life. This process of deterioration is natural. However, it will not be covered under your home insurance policy.
How to Appeal a Claim Denial
If your roof claim is denied, there is an appeal process you can take to get it overturned. Contact your insurance company and ask for a resolution date in writing to minimize the length of time the appeals process will take. After receiving the appeal, your insurance provider will send out an adjuster for a second opinion. Have a roofing contractor you trust on-site to serve as a third-party representative. If your second claim is also denied, elevate your claim to a claims manager. You can also file a complaint through the state or hire an attorney as your last resort.
Contact Us for All Your Roofing Needs!
US Roofing offers roof inspections, emergency roof repairs and roof replacement services. Give our team a call at (978) 532-6300 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate.
