Texas Roof Damage Claims

Roof Damage Claims Denied

The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home or business structure. Sudden windstorms, hail, lightning, or even hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to the integrity of the roof. Especially in areas with frequent storms and weather events, property owners, both commercial and residential, should make sure that they have an insurance policy that covers roof damage.

Even if you have an adequate insurance policy, the company could still deny payment of your claim.

Reasons for Denial or Underpayment of Roof Claims

An insurance company could deny or underpay your roof claim for a number of reasons including:

• The weather event causing the damage is not a covered event, as would be the case with flood damage;
• The claim was not properly filed and documented;
• The insurance company disputes that the damage was caused by the claimed event;
• The insurance company disputes whether the damage occurred during the effective dates of the policy;
• The insurance company disputes the scope of the damage or the cost of repair.

These denials and underpayments can lead to lengthy disputes between you and your insurance company delaying your roof repair. Our experienced attorneys can help you interpret the insurance policy, determine the cause of the denial or underpayment and help you obtain the insurance coverage owed to you.

Hail and Wind Damage are the Leading Cause of Roof Damage in Texas

Every year there is Billions of dollars of damage nationwide related to hail and wind, and Texas is among the top states to suffer this damage. Severe hail or wind damage may cause immediate structural damage to the roof causing the roof to fail or leak. However, even less severe damage to a roof can affect the integrity and effectiveness of the structure leading to short term and long-term problems.

If there has been hail or windstorm in your area it is important to contact a contractor immediately to assess the damage to your roof and other structures. Policyholders should take certain steps to preserve evidence regarding their claim:

• Document the date of loss and type of weather event;
• Take pictures of any damage to the structure as well as fallen trees, downed power lines, dents or damage to cars, plants and other structures;
• Keep records regarding any remediation or repairs that have been done or need to be completed immediately;
• If you are forced to vacate your home or business, keep records of all expenses and losses related to the inability to use the structure.

If it is determined that damage has occurred, a policyholder should make a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible, in writing, and as required by the policy language. All requests and communication should be documented in writing and copies should be kept of all information.

Insurance policies are contracts, and the insurance company has certain obligations to the insured. In addition to their contractual obligations, The Texas Insurance Code and Deceptive Trade Practices Act require that insurance companies act in good faith, respond in a timely manner and are transparent with the insured regarding the evaluation and resolution of their claim.

When to Hire an Attorney for Denied or Underpaid Claims?

Insurance companies make money by not paying claims. Many people do not know that they may have additional options when their claim is denied or underpaid.

An experienced insurance attorney like those at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, can help you interpret your insurance policy, navigate the process, and assess your options when your roof claim is denied or underpaid. You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of the roof, attorney’s fees, additional interest, and other damages.