AQ Roofing LLC

It’s only natural for your roof to suffer wear and tear over its lifespan, taking a constant beating from the harsh elements. That’s one reason why you should be proactive when it comes to maintenance. However, it’s a different story when a storm or any severe weather event occurs. The roof damage happens in an instant and is usually extensive and severe. This will require you to file an insurance claim.

The thing is, not every roof claim gets approved. And for a homeowner dealing with the aftermath of the storm, arriving at that outcome can be frustrating to handle. But why does a roof insurance claim get denied outright? Or, in some cases, get approved, but the payout isn’t considerable enough to cover the repairs or upgrades required to fix the damaged roof? Read on as we answer all of these questions in great detail below.

Why Insurers Deny Roof Claims

A typical home insurance policy has a limited number of causes that are grounds for a roof repair or replacement project. Keep in mind, however, that no two policies are the same in terms of level of coverage. Also, some insurance companies are either lenient or strict when reviewing and deciding claims. That’s why as a homeowner, you need to understand your insurance policy and do the necessary research before taking any significant action. It also helps that you work with a reputable contractor who can guide you through the insurance process.

The following are some of the potential reasons why a roof insurance claim may be denied:

• General wear and tear: Some insurance claims get denied because the roof damage was deemed a result of wear and tear. Since weathering is a natural occurrence that happens to residential roofing systems, insurance policies don’t cover it. What’s covered in a typical homeowner’s insurance, however, is roof damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and other acts of nature. Flood, wind and hail damage, meanwhile, may not be covered depending on your insurance policy. If that’s the case, you may have to purchase a separate policy for each.

• Previous damage: Remember that your home insurance policy won’t cover roof damage that occurred under a previous policy. So, if you failed to invest roof repairs under a previous policy and then you decided to file an insurance claim now, your insurer may likely deny your claim simply because you failed to do anything to rectify the previous damage, which is now causing your roof to fail.

• Disregard for roof maintenance: For insurance providers, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to keep your roof in top shape. Failure to do so worsens roof damage following a storm, increasing the chances of your claim getting denied. Thus, you must put roof repair and maintenance on top of your priorities to ensure you remain eligible.

• Partial damage: If you filed an insurance claim in which you are seeking compensation to cover for a full roof replacement, the adjuster has to determine that your roof was severely damaged and that partial repairs won’t be enough to restore it to its pre-loss condition. This criteria, however, varies from one insurer to another, and the decision rests heavily on the insurance adjuster’s own analysis. That’s why it’s possible for your claim to be denied while the other homeowners in your neighborhood, who also suffered a great deal following a recent storm, have their claims approved. The good news is that a claim denial resulting from the adjuster’s arbitrary determination of partial damage may likely be overturned via an appeal.

• Late filing of claims: Your insurance adjuster may deny your claim outright for the simple reason that you missed out on your opportunity to file it within a reasonable period. The same result may happen if you failed to notify your insurer in writing prior to the expiration of the filing window, along with a valid reason for the delay and a request for extension. Insurance inspections after suspected roof damage often come at no charge to you, which is why you need to work with a contractor promptly to avoid claim denial based on timeliness.

• Manufacturer defects: Your home insurance provider won’t cover the fixes for a failing roof caused by a material defect. However, the roofing manufacturer may have a limited warranty in place upon purchase and installation of the roofing system. Its coverage depends on the manufacturer and the type of warranty you selected, so be sure to speak to the contractor who installed your roof to have your defective shingles, drip edge or vents fixed. Also, read up on the inclusions and exclusions of the warranty beforehand so you know what to expect when it comes to repairs and replacements.

Avoiding Your Claim From Getting Denied or Underpaid

If your roof insurance claim got denied, know that there’s a process you can take as the insured to get it overturned. However, the appeals process takes time before it can be resolved. Plus, there’s a time limit involved in which you have to inform your insurance provider of your intention in writing. To save you the trouble of having to navigate this aspect of the claims process, it would be in your best interest to do everything in your power to avoid your claim from getting denied or underpaid in the first place.

When filing your roof damage claim, make sure to include all necessary documentation according to company guidelines. Be prepared to present proof as well if the adjuster requests you do so. Before the scheduled arrival of your claims adjuster, make sure you have your roofing contractors with you on-site as your third-party representative. They’ll be able to explain their repair and replacement estimates in case the insurance adjuster disagrees with something. This helps prevent any back and forth between the two and prevent delays in the claims process.

Trust AQ Roofing LLC for Your Storm Damage Needs

A reputable roofing contractor has the tools and knowledge you need to increase your chances of not only getting your claim approved, but also obtaining the most value out of it. For that, you can turn to AQ Roofing LLC. We’re equipped to handle all your storm-related repair needs. When you need the highest quality storm damage restoration, expect our team to be there for you. From preparing your insurance claim to installing durable new roofing and home exterior products, we can help you through every phase of your repair project.

Give us a call at (501) 951-1683, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate. We serve Little Rock, Sherwood, Cabot, Hot Springs and the rest of Central Arkansas.