If you are like most homeowners, little thought is given to the roof of your home. The truth is, your roof is more than a structural element of your home, it is a shield that protects you, your family, and your belongings from the outside elements. When damage strikes, the path to a stress-free repair or replacement isn’t always guaranteed. Many homeowners turn to their insurance companies for assistance, only to encounter unexpected claim denials, leaving them frustrated and unsure of what went wrong.
This article aims to shine a light on five reasons why roofing claims are often denied and help you avoid claim denials in the future. From improper maintenance and documentation to previous damage and timing issues, we will look at specific reasons insurance companies deny claims. Each potential denial will be broken down to help you better understand the root cause of the problem and how to address it. With this knowledge, you will be better prepared to maneuver your way through the insurance claim process, ensure your roof will be covered when needed, and reduce the chances of surprises along the way.
Understanding the Basics of Roofing Insurance Claims
Typically, roofing insurance is part of a homeowner’s insurance policy that will provide financial protection against unexpected roof damage. The coverage will help repair or replace your roof after it suffers damage from covered events.
These unexpected events can include damage from natural disasters like windstorms, hail storms, and fires. Here in Ludington, we know winter storms are capable of causing severe damage. Your policy can also include damage from falling objects and accidental events.
Homeowners are responsible for keeping their roofs in good condition to make sure they remain covered under the insurance policy. This includes regular inspections, maintenance, timely repairs of minor damage, and addressing wear and tear.
5 Common Reasons Roofing Claims Are Denied
1. Improper or Inadequate Maintenance: As a homeowner, we are responsible for the care and maintenance of our property. Insurance companies expect homeowners to maintain their roofs to minimize preventable damage and reduce the likelihood of claims.
- Examples like clogged gutters, the presence of mold growth, and missing shingles that have been ignored for years, can all lead to a claim denial.
- In order to avoid claim denials a homeowner should schedule regular inspections with a professional roofing company and keep complete and detailed documentation of any maintenance or repairs made to the roof. Providing proof to your insurance company that the damage is not caused by neglect or insufficient upkeep is important in getting your claim approved.
2. Failure to File a Claim in Time: Insurance policies have specific time frames that a claim must be submitted after the damage occurs.
- An example of failure to file a claim in adequate time would be waiting until summer to report damage that was sustained during a winter storm. This delay in reporting allows for further damage and increased cost for repairs that you may be stuck with.
- To avoid claim denial from delayed reporting, make sure to report damage immediately after it happens. You will also want to take action to mitigate more damage occurring until the insurance company can act on the claim. It is also wise to educate yourself on your policy’s deadlines for reporting.
3. Pre-existing Damage: Insurance companies will not cover damage that has occurred to the roof before the policy starts. They will also deny claims that are made due to new damage that is in combination with pre-existing damage.
- If roof damage is reported during an inspection, prior to purchasing the home or starting a new insurance policy, and is never repaired, the new insurance policy is not going to cover claims that are filed due to this pre-existing damage. Also, if you have unrepaired damage from a previous storm or leaks that are not taken care of, any new damage and subsequent claims will be denied.
- Addressing known issues quickly, proper maintenance, and keeping records of repairs can help you avoid claim denial from pre-existing conditions.
4. Wear and Tear and Natural Aging: The lifespan of a roof has several variables. Roofing material, routine maintenance, and local weather conditions will play a role in how long your home’s roof will last. Insurance does not typically cover repair or replacement due to the natural aging of a roof.
- If your home’s roof is older than its expected lifespan, it is reasonable to say that its degradation is due to its age.
- Once again, knowing your policy’s limits can help you decide if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired and if it’s something that your policy will cover. By keeping your roof in good condition and replacing your aging roof proactively, you can avoid claim denials.
5. Improper Roof Installation or Unpermitted Roof Repairs: When roof repairs are made without the proper permits or done by an unlicensed contractor, your insurance may void coverage.
- Performing roof repairs or replacement using DIY methods or hiring an unlicensed professional puts your home at risk for not meeting the standard code.
- Always use a licensed professional who will obtain the proper permits and perform the work correctly when having a major repair or roof installation done on your home.
How to Avoid Roofing Claim Denials
- Be proactive with your maintenance and inspections. Scheduling annual roof inspections and promptly addressing minor issues will help to ensure that when needed, you can file a claim and have it accepted.
- Understanding your insurance policy and familiarizing yourself with coverage limits, exclusions, and requirements of documentation are key factors in knowing when you can properly utilize an insurance claim.
- You can never keep too many records. Keep a file with photos, inspection records, and maintenance logs.
- Documenting an incident thoroughly and reporting issues immediately is important in meeting filing deadlines and requirements.
- When you need a repair or new roof installation, using a reputable roofing company in Ludington will ensure all repairs and installations meet code requirements.
With the right knowledge and a proactive approach, you can go through the roofing insurance claim process confidently and avoid the many common pitfalls that lead to claim denial. By understanding your policy, keeping up with regular maintenance, and addressing issues promptly, you’ll be better prepared to protect your roof and your finances. Remember, your roof is an important part of your home’s defense, and making sure it’s properly cared for will help you secure the coverage you need when unexpected damage occurs. Partnering with a reputable roofing company in Ludington and maintaining thorough documentation can give you peace of mind when filing a claim, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible.