Homeowner's insurance alleviates the financial stress that comes with roof damage. For some homeowners, submitting a roof insurance claim can actually produce stress. You count on your home insurance to cover you. That's what makes a roof insurance claim denied so confusing.

The average cost to replace a roof ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. This cost depends on where you live and what type of damage your roof received. You probably don't have this kind of money lying around, so you will have to rely on your insurance to cover the cost of your roof replacement.

If your roof insurance claim denied, it can cause you and your family significant financial (and emotional) distress. There is good news: your home insurance carrier doesn't have to have the last word. Even with an undervalued or denied claim, At TTLC Inc Roofing, Siding, and Gutters, we got you covered.

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Insurance Claim Process for Roof Damage

If you live in an area that recently had a big storm event like hail or wind, you may be wondering…

Should I File An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage?

We suggest that you do a walk-around of your property for any obvious signs of damage including missing shingles, dents in the siding, and ripped gutters. There is no need to get on your roof since you can easily spot some damaged areas from the ground.

Sometimes, It can be hard to spot wind or hail damage right away, and it might be risky. Especially if you cannot see parts of your roof.

Therefore, our licensed roofing contractors at TTLC Inc can schedule a free roofing inspection to professionally evaluate your roof damages.

Will Filing An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage Raise My Insurance Premium?

Many homeowners believe that filing a claim will cause their premium to increase. Think about auto insurance. For example, if you file a claim after a car accident, your premium will more than likely increase. Homeowner's insurance does not act like auto insurance. Filing one claim will not cause your premium to increase.

Insurance companies are more concerned with the frequency of your neighbors or other people living in your zip code file claims. If you live in an area that is consistently burglarized or hit by damaging storms, if you have a clean claims history, it might not matter — if people around you do not, that may increase your premiums.

What Is Covered Under My Homeowner's Insurance?

Some of the more common covered perils covered under your homeowner's insurance include the following:

  • Fire and smoke damage.

  • Weather-related damage, including wind damage or hail.

  • Water damage from internal sources, not from flooding.

  • Theft.

  • Vandalism.

  • Damage caused by snow or ice on the roof.

  • Damage from civil disturbances.

  • Explosions.

  • Damage caused by motor vehicles or aircraft.

    • Does My Homeowner's Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

    Depending on what caused the roof leak, homeowners insurance may or may not cover roof leaks. Leaks caused by a covered peril then the homeowner's insurance should cover it.

    Insurance companies tend not to cover roof leaks if the leak is due to an old roof, poorly maintained roof, or something the homeowner did to damage the roof.

    Insurance Claim Process

    The insurance claim process is never easy, especially when it comes to roof damage. There are different people involved with your case and looked at by multiple people that work for the insurance company. Sometimes, the insurance company might not play in your favor. Having a professional licensed roofing company like TTLC Inc Roofing, Siding, and Gutters on your side can alleviate any stress provided by your insurance company.

    Step 1:

    You must do these two things before filing an insurance claim: 1.) Look over your homeowner's insurance policy, and 2.) Call a local licensed roofing contractor.

    Step 2:

    A reputable roof inspector like our team at TTLC Inc will do a thorough inspection and gather evidence of damage, including storms, wear and tear, and other trouble spots. The best part is that our team is trained to handle any insurance claim without the homeowner having to worry if they will have their claim approved or not.

    Step 3:

    Make sure you looked at your homeowner's insurance policy, so you know the cost of your deductible. If the damage is beyond repair and the roof needs replacing, filing a claim is essential to afford the new roof. Your insurance company will send a certified adjuster to your house to do the same thing our team did: inspect your roof and gather all evidence of damage. You don't have to handle this alone because our inspectors will be on the scene with the insurance adjuster, ensuring they see and take notes of the damage our team noticed.

    Step 4:

    Your insurance company will send you a report once they have determined the level of damage. The good thing about calling a roofing company like TTLC Inc is that we will also give you an estimate that you can determine what is worth paying out of pocket. This allows you more customization options since you are the one paying for any upgrades. The insurance adjuster will most likely make an estimate and damage assessment for the bare minimum required to make your home relatively safe. At TTLC Inc, we work with the insurance company and give them the right evidence that gets you the best roof and premium products to make sure your home is safe for years to come.

    We know the safety of your home and family is essential, so after your claim is initially accepted, our roofers will go to work right away. This is another reason why it is beneficial to have a roofing contractor onboard before filing a roof damage claim. You can rest assured knowing that when it is time to make repairs, our team is there.

    Why Was Your Roof Insurance Claim Denied?

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    Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always accept the roofing claims that come in. If the insurance adjuster comes back and does not believe that the damage is a threat to the roof's structural integrity, they may not think that it's worth paying for or even necessary. The insurance adjusters don't realize that even the smallest amount of damage can lead to your roof no longer protecting you against the next storm.

    Possible Reasons #1:

    Denied claim because the cost to cover the damage is less than or slightly over your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, and the cost of the repairs is $1,100. The insurance company will not send you a check for $100 to cover the overage. Same with if the price was less than your deductible. The insurance company won't cover it and leave you with nothing to pay. Remember: it is illegal in most states, including Illinois, to not pay your deductible or have your deductible paid by someone else.

    Possible Reasons #2:

    Denied claim due to exclusions in your insurance policy. Depending on your insurance policy or state, certain types of damage are not included, or the coverage is minimal. This can consist of wildfires and earthquakes, while Flood insurance usually is separate from your typical homeowner's insurance. Insurance also does not cover normal wear and tear from damage that occurs over time, such as when your roof has exceeded its expected lifespan. Even if you receive roof damage, they may blame it on the roof's age.

    Possible Reasons #3:

    A roof damage claim can be denied because of the roof's age. If your roof is past the average expectancy or the damage is caused by regular wear and tear, it is unlikely that your insurance policy will cover the cost to replace the roof. An average expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof can range from 20 to 40 year. Unless there is significant storm damage on your roof, you will have a hard time getting your claim approved just based on age or wear and tear.

    How Long Can It Take To Settle My Insurance Claim?

    Insurance claim processing can vary depending on the type and severity of the damage, how many only claims the insurance company is processing, how quickly you file the claim, and when an adjuster is available to evaluate the damage. A settled claim can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to receive a claim check.

    Disputing a Denied Claim

    If your roof claim has been denied, the first thing to do is inform your insurance company that you disagree with their assessment. Our reputable roofing company will be by your side throughout this whole process. TTLC Inc will be happy to come out and represent you when the insurance company sends their adjuster over for the re-inspection.

    How to Dispute a Roof Insurance Claim Denied?

    Do not worry if your insurance company denies your claim. You can always appeal the denial.

    Here are some steps you can use towards getting your insurance claim approved:

  • First, read your insurance policy carefully. Make sure you have fully read the included and excluded perils in your insurance coverage.

  • Second, read your claim denial letter. Did you or the insurance adjuster sent out to assess the damage make a mistake?

  • Third, compile all documentation related to the damage, including any pictures. Remember always to keep documents related to a home insurance claim. This will give you a greater chance of your claim being approved if you have hard evidence on your side.

  • Fourth, contact their adjuster. Limit the conversation only to the denied points in your claim. Share with the adjuster any documentation relevant to your claim.

    • We know that this is a stressful process. Know that our team of insurance adjusters can appeal the claim on your behalf, assist with the rejected claim process and help with any paperwork involved.

    How to Avoid a Roof Insurance Claim Denied?

    Prevention is one of the most significant ways to avoid your insurance claim being denied in the first place. Here are some steps you can take:

    Study Your Insurance Policy

    Ensure you have read and understood the covered and excluded risks from your homeowner's insurance policy. Make sure you know how much coverage your home insurance provides as well. Ensure your policy is up-to-date every six months or every time you do a renovation to your home.

    Take Inventory

    Besides making an inventory list of your possessions, make sure to take photos of your home's structure as well. This way, if you ever get into an insurance claim dispute, you can show your insurance before and after pictures.

    Research Insurance Companies Before Choosing One

    When deciding which insurance company to buy coverage from, review them all carefully. Review their customer satisfaction reviews online to get an idea of what their reputation for claim approval and denial is. Many reviews of insurance companies can be found online, such as the Better Business Bureau.

    Increase Your Insurance Coverage

    Insurance companies may deny a claim if you do not have enough coverage. Everytime you remodel or add on to your home, your home's value increases. Increasing your coverage will give you more of a safety net and prevent the insurance company from denying your claims.

    Do Not Give Up With a first-time denied claim, do not give up! With our experience at TTLC Inc, we have learned that many approved roof damage claims happen after the second or even third adjustment. If you disagree with the original verdict, we will work on your behalf against the insurance company.

    Fighting an insurance company for a homeowners insurance claim can be a stressful and time-consuming project. Insurance companies love to delay the process and work the claim in their favor. By doing this, they hope that the homeowner and roofing contractor will drop the claim.

    Team Up and Work With Your Trusted TTLC Inc Contractor!

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    Avoiding a claim denial by your insurance company is crucial. While your insurance company allows you to work with the contractor of choice. Therefore, working with TTLC roofing siding and gutters, on the whole process from inspection to filing a claim, will guarantee you’ll get the most use out of your home insurance policy.