Tired of battling your insurance company for roof damage claims? You’re not alone. Most homeowners get lowballed or denied—but with the right strategy, you can secure full coverage without the hassle.
1. Know What Your Policy Covers (Before Disaster Strikes)
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Review your policy – Most cover “sudden and accidental” damage (storms, hail, wind), but not wear and tear.
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Look for ACV vs. RCV – Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays less (depreciated value). Replacement Cost Value (RCV) covers full replacement.
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Check for exclusions – Some insurers exclude certain materials (e.g., wood shakes) or require separate wind/hail riders.
Pro Tip: Take photos of your roof before damage occurs—this helps prove pre-existing condition.
2. Document Everything Like a Pro
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Take timestamped photos/videos of all damage (shingles, leaks, gutters).
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Get a professional inspection – A roofer’s report holds more weight than your own notes.
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Keep receipts for temporary repairs (tarping, leaks) – Insurance may reimburse these.
Example: After a hailstorm, one homeowner got denied until their roofer proved matching shingles were discontinued—forcing a full replacement.
3. File the Claim the Right Way (Avoid These Mistakes)
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Don’t delay – Most policies require claims within 1 year.
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Avoid vague descriptions – Say “hail caused granule loss and cracks” instead of “roof looks bad.”
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Don’t accept the first offer – Adjusters often lowball initial estimates.
Script to Use: “I’d like to request a reinspection with my contractor present to review the scope of damage.”
4. Leverage Your Roofing Contractor as an Ally
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Choose a contractor experienced in insurance claims – They’ll know how to negotiate supplements.
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Request a line-item estimate – Breaks down costs (materials, labor, code upgrades) for maximum payout.
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Have them attend the adjuster’s inspection – They can point out hidden damage (soft spots, decking issues).
Why It Works: Insurance companies take claims more seriously when a pro advocates for you.
5. Appeal a Denial Like a Boss
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Request a detailed denial letter – They must explain exactly why they refused.
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Submit a rebuttal letter with new evidence (e.g., engineer’s report, weather data).
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Escalate to your state’s Department of Insurance – Insurers often fold under regulatory pressure.
Last Resort: Hire a public adjuster (they take 10–20% of your payout but often win bigger settlements).
Final Step: Get It Done Right
Don’t let insurance companies cut corners. Hart Roofing fights for Houston homeowners to get full, fair claims—with zero stress on your end.
Phone : 713-281-2886 | Mail : info@hartroofingtx.com
