Few things can be as frustrating as filing an insurance claim after your roof is damaged. Once you make the initial call, you’re often overwhelmed with paperwork, visits from the insurance adjuster, and, of course, long waits. What is even more frustrating is when your roof repair or replacement insurance claim is denied. It can make you feel like you are out of options and left with out-of-pocket expenses.
However, the insurance company may not have the final word when they deny your claim. You may still have options for re-opening your case and getting the compensation you need to fix your roof. A roofing contractor in Florida may be able to help you by performing a comprehensive roof inspection to identify how the roof was damaged and what needs to be done to repair it.
What Are Your Options If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied?
An insurance claim denial is not necessarily set in stone. You can do some things to reverse the insurance company’s decision.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Insurance claims adjusters inspect a lot of roofs each year. However, they are not roofing professionals. As a result, they are likely to misdiagnose a problem with your roof. Keep in mind, that they also represent the insurance company – not you. So, if you feel that the adjuster’s assessment is inaccurate, you can contact a roofing company to perform a professional roof inspection.
A contractor can arrive on-site and inspect the damage as-is to determine how your roof was damaged and the extent of the damage. A professional roofer can also make recommendations on how to fix the roof. Getting an inspection is the equivalent of getting a second opinion from a doctor. It doesn’t necessarily solve your insurance problem, however, it can confirm or contradict the adjuster’s appraisal.
File an Appeal
If you are not getting any satisfaction from trying to explain your position to your insurance company’s claims adjuster, you may need to file a formal appeal. You only have a limited amount of time to do this once your claim is denied. The appeals process is typically outlined in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Filing a formal appeal leads to a review of the claim. Include with your appeal as much evidence and documentation as possible to support your claim of the damages that should be covered. The more organized you present this information, the better your chances are of getting a claim review.
Consult an Insurance Claims Professional
Seeking advice from a licensed public insurance adjuster or an insurance attorney may give you the answers you need to reverse the denial. A public adjuster can review your homeowner’s insurance coverage, document and value your losses and negotiate the maximum settlement allowed under the terms of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
File a Formal Complaint
The insurance industry is regulated. However, courts in Florida are overwhelmed with property claims disputes and bad faith lawsuits. Therefore, you may need to try a different route if you believe that the insurance company is not properly handling your case.
If you are a policyholder in good standing (your premiums are paid), your insurance provider is obligated to process your property claim fairly. If your claim has been handled improperly, you have the option to file a formal complaint with the Florida insurance commissioner. The process can be long and complicated. However, it may be worth it if you can save thousands of dollars on a roof replacement.
How to Prevent Your Roof Replacement Insurance Claim from Getting Denied
Each year, thousands of homeowners in Florida are devastated by insurance denial claims, leaving them footing the bill for a roof replacement. Many hurricane, storm, or fire victims do not have the financial means to replace the roof. Unfortunately, they may lose the house in a foreclosure or short sale just to have a safe place to live.
However, it is possible to prevent or minimize the chances of a denied claim so that you get the money you need to replace your roof.
Contact Your Local Roofing Company First
If your roof was damaged in a fire or hurricane, you might be tempted to contact your insurance company right away. However, the first call you should make is to a roofing contractor. Here’s why: A roofing contractor will give you a fair and objective roof inspection. An adjuster represents the insurance company, but the roofing contractor represents YOU.
Another benefit of calling a professional roofer first is that the roofer can be there when you meet with the adjuster. Any questions can be directed to the contractor, who can answer them intelligently. The contractor can confirm that the damage was caused by the disaster and was not pre-existing.
Some other ways you can prevent your roof replacement insurance claim from getting denied include:
- Do not delay contacting the contractor and your insurance company.
- Take photos or videos of the damage as soon as possible.
- Know your homeowner’s insurance policy and what it covers.
- Keep your insurance premiums current – do not be late.
- Schedule a roof inspection and maintenance annually.
- Make sure you adhere to the roof warranty.
Professional Roof Inspection on the Coast
If your roof is damaged and you need a professional roof inspection, contact Quality Roofing. We offer comprehensive roofing services, including roofing repair, replacement, and maintenance. Call us today at (850) 753-0041 or fill out the contact form to request a free estimate. We are your premier roofing company in Florida.
The post What to Do If Your Roof Replacement Insurance Claim Is Denied appeared first on Quality Roofing Solutions.