We’ve heard the story more times than we can count: You thought things couldn’t get any more stressful after your property was damaged, and then you found out your insurance carrier denied your claim…
It happens more often than homeowners might expect. That’s why we’re going to cover some of the most common reasons why claims are denied in Texas, and then we’ll discuss what you can do about it.
Why Was My Roof Claim Denied?
As we discussed in our insurance guide, most home policies in Texas cover damage from storms and sudden releases of water. What typically isn’t covered includes flooding, earthquakes, and continuous water leaks. Of course, where you live and what type of coverage you buy will ultimately determine what is and isn’t covered in your case.
Typically, this is how the insurance claims process goes. First, you suffer some kind of property damage, such as hail damaging your roof. Then, you call a reputable contractor to validate that the damage is claimworthy. If it is, you can initiate a claim with your insurance carrier. They’ll send out an adjuster to further evaluate the damage and determine the payout to cover repairs if applicable.
But sometimes, the adjuster says, “No.”
That means the repair costs fall squarely on homeowners’ shoulders. Here are some of the most common reasons this happens:
- It’s a metal roof, and there’s no “appearance rider.” Filing a claim for dents on a metal roof (in other words, for aesthetic rather than functional damage) often requires an additional rider in your policy.
- The damage is from wear and tear – not hail. The degradation of roofing materials through basic “wear and tear” typically isn’t claim-worthy – for instance, damage due to a lack of maintenance or even installation defects.
- “Hail hits” are actually “heat pops.” What was thought to be hail damage may be blisters or cracks in shingles due to improper ventilation.
- The damage is old, or the claim was filed too late: You need to file a claim within the window of time described in your policy. If you don’t notify your carrier within that time frame, your claim might be denied outright. It may also be determined that hail damage occurred before the carrier was insuring the property.
- There’s not enough damage: The adjuster may find hail or wind damage, but it might not be severe enough or there might not be enough total damage to warrant the claim.
What Options Do I Have if My Claim is Denied?
It depends on the nature of the denial. If your damage isn’t claim-worthy under the terms of your policy, then you’ll need to work with a contractor and pay for the repairs out of pocket. Of course, that can be disappointing to hear. But if your damage was sufficient enough to attempt to file a claim, then it’s important to work with a contractor to prevent even more costly damage in the future.
To that end, it’s important to find a contractor you can trust. With DFW Roofers, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. We use high-quality materials and get the job done right to extend the life of your roof. Whether you’re ready for a cash quote or just need an expert to walk you through this process, we’d be happy to help.
It’s also possible that your damage is claim-worthy and that your denial was incorrect. If you believe this happened to you, consider filing an appeal. This process can be different with each carrier. If all appeals are exhausted, a request for reinspection is denied, and the damage is obvious, then you can consider appraisals, public adjusters, legal action, and of course, complaining to the Texas Department of Insurance.
We’re Here to Help.
Want to learn more? You can read our comprehensive insurance guide and click through the links within to explore the full series.
DFW Roofers has served the Dallas-Fort Worth area for years. If you need a dependable partner and contractor throughout this process, our team would be happy to help. If you have any questions, contact DFW Roofers at (469) 751-4018 or schedule an appointment through our online appointment form.
