How to Dispute a Denied Storm-Damage Insurance Claim — A Step-by-Step Guide

Has your storm damage insurance claim just been denied? Are you wondering if you can dispute it and what that process looks like? If so, you are in the right place.

At Hoel Roofing, we are not new to insurance claims. In fact, we’ve helped hundreds of customers with denied claims get a more favorable response. We have helped them prepare the necessary documentation to dispute the claim and assisted them in navigating the process.

In this article, we will offer you a step-by-step process on how to dispute your insurance claim and get your roof back to its best condition in no time.

What’s the Difference Between a Full Denial and a Partially Denied Claim?

There are two different designations of denial. They are:

• Full Denied: In a full denial, the insurer claims your damage isn’t storm-related, often blaming it on age, wear and tear, or poor maintenance, and refuses to pay anything toward the repair.

• Partial Denial: In the industry, what insurers call a “partial denial” is often what homeowners and contractors refer to as a “lowball offer.” That means the insurance company agrees some damage occurred, but the payout they offer falls far short of what’s needed to properly repair or replace everything, often ignoring your roofer’s full scope of work.

In either of these cases, when you disagree with either outcome, your roofer’s documented inspection is the most persuasive tool you have. You will need it to request a re-inspection.

What Are Some Common Reasons Insurance Claims Get Denied or Partially Denied?

Some of the common reasons an insurance company denies a claim include:

1. Policy Exclusions 

Every insurance policy comes with specific coverage limits and exclusions. If your claim is for a loss not covered by your policy, the insurance company may deny it outright. To avoid this disappointment, it’s important to read and understand your policy thoroughly, especially the sections outlining exclusions.

2. Late Reporting 

Timeliness is key in the claims process. Insurance companies typically require claims to be reported within a certain timeframe. Most companies require claims to be filed 1 year from the day of the storm/damage. Some companies are as little as 6 months and some as long as 2 years. It is advisable to check your policy to determine what your insurance considers the ideal timeframe. While there isn’t a universal “average” reporting timeframe, timely reporting is crucial because it ensures details are fresh, helps the insurer start the process quickly, and complies with policy and state regulations.

3. Pre-Existing Conditions 

If the insurance company believes that the damage or loss you’re claiming was present before your policy took effect, they may categorize it as a pre-existing condition. This can occur in situations where damage develops gradually over time, such as with mold or water damage.

4. Insufficient Evidence 

Your claim must be supported by solid evidence. If the insurance company thinks your documentation lacks detail or does not clearly demonstrate the loss or damage, they might deny your claim. Keeping comprehensive records, including photos, receipts, and reports, can significantly enhance your chances of a successful claim.

5. Misrepresentation 

If at any point the insurance company believes that you provided false or misleading information when applying for coverage, they could deny your claim. This could relate to discrepancies in your application or during the claims process.

How To Dispute A Storm-Damaged Roof Claim Denial? Step-by-Step Process

Step 1. Ask for a re-inspection

If your claim is denied (or you get a partial/lowball payment), request a re-inspection from the insurance company. This is the formal first step to reopening the decision. You may also review your insurance policy to be sure that your insurance policy covers the damage you reported. Also read the appraisal clause in your policy. If you cannot resolve your dispute, it’s your last resort.

Step 2. Get a qualified roofer to inspect and document everything

Have a reputable roofing contractor perform a thorough exterior inspection and create a written report with dated photos of the damage. The insurer will want proof that the loss is storm-related. This report is your core evidence.

You may also ask your insurance company for their preferred list of contractors if you don’t have a roofer. You should, however, keep in mind that your insurance’s contractor may be more on their side than yours. This is not always the case, but it remains a possibility. If they are more on your insurance’s side, they may not quote for all that needs to be repaired and may downplay some of the damages.

What to include in the roofer’s report: what was damaged, exact locations (slope/area), and clear photos showing missing shingles, dents, or other storm effects.

Step 3. Submit proof to the insurer with your re-inspection request

When the insurer asks why you want a re-inspection, give them the roofer’s report and your photos. This is the documentation they’ll use to decide whether to send another adjuster or change their determination.

Step 4. If the insurer underpays, have the roofer review the scope

Partial payments often happen when adjusters miss items or don’t account for product issues. A typical example: if shingles are discontinued and you’re missing many shingles on one slope, the insurer may need to pay for the entire slope because you can’t replace just a few shingles that no longer exist. Your contractor can point this out in a supplemental report.

It’s important to note: Expect the process to take time. If the roofer’s documentation supports your claim, insurers can and do change their minds, but it’s rarely instant. Be prepared for weeks or even months while the company reviews paperwork, schedules another inspection, or processes supplements.

What Should You Do After You Have Been Denied?

• Have a qualified roofer inspect and write a report.
• Take and organize dated photos of all visible damage.
• Keep copies of any communication with your insurer.
• Submit the roofer’s report + photos with your re-inspection request.
• Ask your roofer to be available for any follow-up inspections.
• Be patient. Insurance reviews take time, and persistence

You don’t have to deal with this alone. A good roofing contractor can keep you on track and ensure that you get paid and are not denied again. If you’re in doubt on who a qualified roofing contractor may be, you can check out our guide on The Best Roofing Companies In Indiana to find out who they are and what their coverage areas are.

With our expertise and understanding of the insurance claims process, we can help you get a denial reversed or a lowball corrected with adequate documentation and a strong case. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about how we can he