Will Insurance Pay Out My Roof Damage Claim?

To say that Florida weather can be extreme and gusty is an understatement. We’ve seen numerous cases of flying debris hitting roofs and causing extensive structural damage due to strong winds.

In those scenarios, it’s crucial to tackle the issue as soon as possible by filing an insurance claim. The problem is - some roof damage claims may get denied or severely underpaid. 

Continue reading to learn why this can happen and how to file a roof collapse Fort Lauderdale insurance claim.

Roof Damage And Homeowners Policies

Whether roof damage is covered by your homeowners’ insurance depends on the circumstances in which the damage occurred and the details of your policy. Typically, insurance will help you cover wind, fire, and hail damage. 

For instance, homeowners insurance might cover your roof collapse Fort Lauderdale if it was caused by a falling tree during a storm. 

On the other hand, if the roof collapsed due to neglect, insurance won’t pay a dime.

There are also two laws that may influence the outcome of your claim:

1. Valued Policy Law

2. The 25% Rule

The former states that if you suffer a total loss caused by more than one peril and only one of those perils is covered in your policy, the insurance company must pay you for the full amount. That is regardless of the amount of damage caused by the peril that is covered.

The 25% Rule ensures that if 25% or more of a roof segment requires repair, the entire roof has to be replaced.

Roof Collapse Fort Lauderdale Claims Process

Roof collapse and roof damage claims, in general, are difficult to navigate. For starters, you have to deal with multiple parties, including an insurance company adjuster and  roof repair contractors who will determine the level of the damage and try to repair it. 

Before getting in touch with your insurance company, you should first review your insurance policy. Then, you can contact a roof repair contractor who will provide their expert opinion and estimate the damage. If the estimate exceeds your deductible, you can notify your insurance company.

Afterward, the insurance adjuster will visit your property and assess the damage, after which you’ll receive a summary of the damages within the first few days. 

If your claim is approved, you’ll receive your first check that covers half of the repairs. You’ll also have a limited amount of time to complete the repairs, but once you do, your insurer will require proof that you spent the money on fixing the damage. Only then will you receive the second check.

You can make the entire process of filing a roof collapse Fort Lauderdale claim a whole lot smoother by being proactive.

To begin with, you should get the damage inspected as soon as possible. This is vital because this type of damage will only get worse if left unattended. The faster you inspect the damage and file the claim, the quicker you can repair the damage.

Next, it doesn’t hurt to document the loss properly. Take detailed photographs of the collapsed or damaged roof from multiple angles to show the full extent of the damage. Additionally, if you have any relevant financial documents such as receipts, make sure to attach those as well.

What Leads to Denied Claims

Not every damage or roof collapse Fort Lauderdale insurance claim will get paid out. A claim could get denied for various reasons, most commonly:

1. Missing the filing deadline

Insurance claims must be filed within a reasonable time, and all the damage needs to be repaired within a year of when it occurred. If you missed any of these deadlines, failed to provide your insurance company with a valid explanation, or didn’t file an extension request, they have a reason to deny your claim.

2. Previous damage

Your policy won’t cover the damage if your roof collapsed due to a combination of old and new damage. Your claim will get denied if previous damage is the main cause of the problem. This also applies to damage that happened while you were under a previous policy.

3. Worn out materials

All construction materials have to be replaced periodically. For instance, if you bought a house with roof shingles that were a few decades old and your roof started leaking after a few years, it could be that the shingles simply worn out. 

If a similar scenario happens, your insurance company may deny your claim because the damage could have been avoided with proper maintenance. 

4. Your roof was only partially damaged

When dealing with a roof collapse Fort Lauderdale, insurance companies have to first establish the roof was damaged enough that a partial repair won’t suffice before approving a roof replacement claim. 

Since the criteria for determining partial damage is uncertain and varies between companies, the claim can get reversed once you dispute the claim.

5. Insurance adjuster missed the full extent of the damage

Since they’re not professional roofers, insurance adjusters may sometimes miss clear signs of damage while conducting roof inspections. As a result, your claim may get undervalued or even denied.

6. Damage occurred due to a manufacturer's defect

Sometimes, materials used in roofing can have a defect that reduces their lifespan. If those materials end up on your roof, they may contribute to the damage. In case of a manufacturer’s defect, your home insurance provider won’t be responsible for covering the cost of repairs. 

What To Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If your insurance company denies or refuses to pay your full claim, you should look for a second opinion. An independent insurance adjuster or a lawyer should review your claim. 

Thankfully, there is an appraisal process you can leverage to reverse the insurance company’s decision. Call them and ask about their appeal deadlines. Once you learn that, you can submit an appeal in writing.

Since the insurance company may send another insurance adjuster after you file an appeal, you should also have an unbiased professional present. The best choice is either a roofing contractor or a public adjuster. 

If you need someone to help guide you through the process and prove that the damage is covered by your insurance policy, contact Continental Public Adjusters. We have extensive experience with closing roof collapse Fort Lauderdale claims and can help you receive full compensation for your damages.

Call (800) 989-4769 to schedule a free consultation so that together, we can keep your insurance company accountable!