Denied roof & storm claims

My claim was denied. What can I do?

The short answerA denial is not the end of the road. You can ask why, get a second set of trained eyes on your roof, and request a reinspection. If you still disagree, most policies give you more options after that.

Adjusters are human, and storm season moves fast. Damage gets missed, causes get misread, and quick inspections leave things out. Our team will take a look at everything and give you an honest answer on whether there's legitimate storm damage.

The road after a denial

Where most people stop, and where you can keep going

  1. "Your claim has been denied."Most homeowners stop here. You don't have to.
  2. 1
    Get the reason in writingKnow exactly what the insurer said and which policy language it used.
  3. 2
    Independent inspectionOur team checks the whole roof system and documents what's really there.
  4. 3
    Request a reinspectionAsk for the adjuster to come back out. We can meet them on the roof and show the damage.
  5. 4
    Other options if neededAppraisal, a state complaint, mediation, or legal counsel.
Every policy and state is different. Check your policy for deadlines on each step.
A decision, not a verdict

Just because you were denied doesn't mean that's it

A denial letter is the insurance company's opinion, based on one inspection on one day. It can be questioned, and it can be changed when better evidence shows up.

The Texas Department of Insurance tells homeowners who disagree with a claim decision to tell the company why and send supporting documentation, such as a contractor's estimate for the repairs. Most homeowners policies also include an appraisal clause, and every state lets you file a complaint if you believe you were treated unfairly.

The key is evidence. A second inspection that clearly documents storm damage, with photos, measurements and the date of the storm, gives the insurer something specific to look at again.

  • Ask for the denial and the reason in writing.
  • Read the exact policy language they're relying on.
  • Get an independent, documented inspection.
  • Request a reinspection and send what you found.
Why claims get denied

The six most common reasons, and what we look for

Most denials come down to a handful of reasons. Some are fair. Some don't hold up once someone takes a closer look.

Wear & tear

"It's age, not storm damage"

The most common reason. Insurers often blame granule loss, cracking or curling on normal aging.

We checkWhether hits are random and fresh, with exposed mat and bruising, versus even, gradual wear.

Prior damage

"The damage was already there"

The insurer says the damage came from an older storm or existed before your policy period.

We checkStorm dates, hail size reports for your address, and how fresh the marks look on metals and shingles.

Cause

"It's installation or a defect"

Problems get blamed on poor workmanship or a manufacturing issue instead of wind or hail.

We checkHow the roof was built and whether the pattern of damage matches a storm or a defect.

Missed damage

"We didn't find enough"

Quick inspections miss things: soft metals, vents, gutters, siding, and anvil strikes on flat roofs that most people overlook.

We checkThe entire roofing system, test squares on every slope, and every component that can show hail.

Deductible

"It's below your deductible"

The adjuster's estimate came in under your deductible, so nothing was paid.

We checkWhether the full scope of damage was counted. A missed slope or component can change the math.

Timing

"It was reported too late"

Many policies require prompt notice. Some carriers use one or two years from the storm as a deadline.

We checkWhen the storm hit and what your policy says, so you know where you stand before more time passes.

What to do right now

Six steps after your claim is denied

Take these in order. Each one makes the next one stronger.

  1. Get the denial letter and your policy

    Ask for the denial and the reason in writing, plus a copy of the adjuster's estimate and photos if they have them. Find the exact policy language they're pointing to.

  2. Protect the property, and keep receipts

    If there's a leak, stop it with a tarp or temporary repair so the damage doesn't get worse. Hold off on a full tear-off or permanent repairs until the damage is documented.

  3. Get an independent inspection

    Have trained inspectors check the entire roof system and build a photo report. Our team does this for free, and we'll tell you honestly whether we believe there's legitimate storm damage.

  4. Request a reinspection

    Call your adjuster or claims line, ask to reopen the claim and request a reinspection, and send the new documentation. We can meet the adjuster at the property and walk the roof with them.

  5. Watch your deadlines

    Write down the date of the storm, the date of the denial, and every call. Policies set time limits to report damage, request appraisal and file suit. Don't let them run out while you wait.

  6. If you still disagree, know your next options

    Appraisal, a complaint to your state's Department of Insurance, mediation, or talking with an insurance attorney. These are your decisions to make, and you don't have to make them alone.

Don't wait it out. Damage left on a roof gets harder to prove as time passes, and the longer it sits, the easier it is for an insurer to call it old or blame it on wear and tear.
Our honest second look

We'll tell you what we find, either way

SkyView Restoration Group brings 25+ years of hands-on roofing and insurance restoration experience. We take time to document storm damage the right way, so it can be proven to anyone who asks. And if it isn't there, we'll tell you that too.

Legitimate damage found

Documented and proven

A detailed photo report you can send with your reinspection request. We can meet the adjuster on the roof and show them exactly what we found.

Minor or unclear

A straight explanation

We explain what we see, whether it's worth pursuing, and what to keep an eye on after the next storm.

No storm damage

Clearance Certificate

If the denial was right, we'll say so. You get a Clearance Certificate to keep on file for your insurance and future storm claims.

Your options at a glance

Ways to challenge a denial

Start with the first row. Most people never need to go past it when the damage is well documented.

OptionWhat it isGood to know
ReinspectionYou ask the insurer to reopen the claim and send an adjuster back out to look again.The fastest and least costly step. Bring new photos and a contractor's report. We can be there.
AppraisalYou and the insurer each hire an appraiser. If they can't agree, an umpire makes a binding decision.Usually settles how much the loss is, not whether it's covered. You pay your appraiser and half the umpire.
State complaintA complaint to your state's Department of Insurance if you think you were treated unfairly.Free to file. In Texas, file with TDI. In Oklahoma, file with the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
MediationA neutral third party helps you and the insurer reach a settlement outside of court.Some policies and programs require it before a lawsuit.
Legal counselAn insurance attorney reviews whether the denial was wrongful or in bad faith.Filing deadlines apply. Talk to an attorney about your rights in your state.
Questions

Common questions about denied claims

Can I really ask for a reinspection after a denial?

Yes. Call your adjuster or the claims line, ask to reopen the claim, and request a reinspection. It helps to explain why you disagree and send new documentation, like a contractor's photo report.

Will you tell me if there's no damage?

Yes. Our job is an honest answer. If we don't find legitimate storm damage, we'll tell you, and you'll get a Clearance Certificate to keep on file for your insurance and future storms.

Are you a public adjuster or attorney?

No. SkyView is not a public adjuster or law firm. We inspect, document and write the repair scope, and meet the adjuster on the construction scope. All construction is performed by licensed Approved Contractors. You may hire any licensed public adjuster or attorney, or none.

My claim was denied months ago. Is it too late?

Not always. It depends on your policy and your state. Check your policy's time limits, write down the storm date and denial date, and get the roof looked at as soon as you can.

Should I fix the roof before the reinspection?

Do temporary repairs, like a tarp, to stop leaks and protect your home, and keep the receipts. Hold off on permanent repairs or a replacement until the damage has been documented and seen by the adjuster.

Do you inspect commercial and flat roofs too?

Yes. We inspect homes and businesses, including flat roofs, where hail anvil strikes are often overlooked.

What does your inspection cost?

The inspection and damage report are free. If you later sign a Project Agreement, its fee and cancellation terms are at SkyViewRestore.com/terms.