Hailstorms can cause significant roof damage, forcing the Wisconsin homeowners to claim insurance for repair or replace the roof. Unfortunately, claiming roof insurance is more challenging than you think.
Homeowners often face challenges like claim denials, delays, and underpayments due to policy exclusions, insufficient documentation, or coverage disputes. Some other common challenges include hidden damage, high deductibles, and unreliable contractors, which add to the challenges.
To avoid such challenges, understand the policy terms, inspect the damage professionally, review insurance, document the damage, and then contact the insurance providers. Work with professionals to claim and get your insurance. Learn the hail damage roof insurance claim process in simple 8 ways.
Step-by-step Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim Process
Inspect the damage
Recognizing hail damage is important to claim roof insurance successfully. Hail damage isn’t visible immediately. These undetected issues lead to leaks, mold, and structural deterioration after a few days. Unfortunately, you need to claim the insurance within 30 days of damage. So let’s see how to inspect the roof hail damage.
- Visible Shingle Damage – look for missing granules, cracks, bruises, or dents on asphalt shingles. You will find dents on metal roofs and cracks on clay or slate tiles.
- Soft Spots or Bruising – Hailstorms can create soft, spongy areas, leading to structural weakening. Run your hand over the shingles to identify those spots.
- Dents on Metal Components – Check flashing, vents, skylights, and chimney caps to find dings or deformation.
- Water Leaks or Stains Indoors – Look for minor water leaks or water stains on ceilings or walls. These are done by hail.
- Damage to Siding, Windows, or AC Units – Check other exterior elements such as windows, siding, or AC units for damages.
- Neighboring Roof Damage – If your neighbor’s roofs are affected, your one might be affected too.
Review your insurance policy
One of the main reasons people fail to claim insurance is failing to review insurance policies. Bring out your insurance document and review it properly before proceeding. Find the section on “covered perils” and check whether “hail” or “acts of nature” are listed there.
Some policies exclude damages like surface dents without leaks. So clarify that by reviewing the policies.
Apart from that, calculate your deductible. For example, if the deductible is $1000 and repair is $5000, you will get $4000. And finally, check the reporting time, which is usually 30 days.
Document the Damage
Take your phone and capture the damage through photos and videos. Take close-up shots of shingle dents and wide shots of the roof. It is always better to have previous photos for comparison. Take notes of the hailstorm with the proper date and time. If possible, keep evidence of proof such as news or articles. This evidence will support your claim.
Contact the insurance provider
Time is important in claiming insurance, so call the insurance provider to report your damage. Check the document for their contact information. Mention your insurance policy number and describe the damage in detail. Do not delay, as it leads to denial.
Work with insurance adjuster
Schedule an adjuster inspection. An insurance adjuster is an expert who evaluates the damage to determine the coverage. He will climb the roof and inspect it. Be present and show him the damage. Remember that this report determines the payout. So try to show him every detail possible.
Get a Professional Roofing Estimate
Get a licensed professional to inspect the damage and estimate the repair cost. He or she will inspect the damage thoroughly and provide a more accurate and reliable estimate. Compare the cost with the insurance adjuster. It will help you understand whether the adjuster’s offer is low or high. You can then challenge the offer.
Review the Insurance Settlement Offer
You will get a settlement offer from the insurance company. Check and compare it. If the offer is low, call them and show the cost breakdown provided by your contractor. Submit photos and quotes for support. Negotiate and settle for maximum.
Approve the Claim and Start Repairs
Once you are satisfied with the offer, approve it with your insurer. You may need to pay a deductible upfront. Do that and start repairing. Hire a good professional to repair your roof. Check their reviews. Get multiple quotes from different contractors to select the best one. In Wisconsin, you can contact Northern Generation to get the best roof repair for you with a hassle free insurance claim. We are fully licensed and we have 15 years of experience.
How much roof damage is needed for insurance to replace
It depends on the type of insurance policy you have. There are two types of insurance for roofs. ACV and RCV. ACV refers to Actual Cash Value that calculates the damage with depreciation based on age, wear, and condition.
For example, in Wisconsin, a $20,000 roof, 5 years old with a 20-year lifespan, might depreciate 25%—leaving an ACV of $15,000. If hail damages 50% of this roof, you will get $7,500 minus your deductible (e.g., $1500), netting $6000. RCV, on the other hand, refers to Replacement Cost Value where you will get the full payment for damage regardless of depreciation.
What to do if insurance denies roof claim
1. Understand the Denial Reason
Ask for a written explanation from the insurance provider to understand the reasons for the denial. They might cite insufficient evidence, pre-existing damage, exclusions, and others.
2. Review Your Policy Thoroughly
Now, re-read your coverage terms to understand exclusions and conditions. Compare those terms with the denials. If their denial is valid, you have nothing to do. But if their denial is random, you have everything to do.
3. Gather Stronger Evidence
Support your claim with evidence. Collect pre-storm photos and post-storm photos to show the differences. Hire a contractor and show the inspection to the insurance company.
4. File an Appeal with Your Insurer
Submit a formal letter within the deadline with a denial letter reference and new evidence. Be vocal about your claim.
5. Hire a Public Adjuster (Optional)
If the appeal falters, hire a public adjuster to re-inspect and negotiate with the insurer. But remember that it will cost you some charge.
6. Escalate to the State Insurance Department
Even if the internal appeal fails, file a complaint with your state’s insurance regulator. Submit denial details, their policies, and evidence for investigation.
7. Consider Legal Action (Last Resort)
If nothing works, consult a lawyer specializing in insurance disputes if the damages are high.
Tips for a Successful Hail Damage Roof Insurance Process
- Check your roof right after the hailstorm for visible damage.
- Document every damage with photos and videos for proof.
- Collect local weather reports as evidence of hailstorms.
- Understand the coverage limit, deductibles, and exclusions before claiming.
- Consider the time limit.
- Always schedule a professional inspection for an independent assessment.
- Be present during the inspection by the adjuster.
- Negotiate if necessary. Don’t accept a low settlement.
- Document everything including emails, calls, and related papers.
- Work with reputable contractors.
- Hire a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf.
FAQ
Can I file a claim if I don’t see damage right away?
- Yes, you can still file a claim since hidden damage like leaks may appear later. But make sure you claim it within 30 days of hailstorms.
What if I miss the 30-day reporting deadline?
- You can still file your claim. However, the insurer has the right to deny your claim if you miss the deadline.
Can I use my contractor instead of the one the insurer recommends?
- Yes, you can use any contractor you want for inspection.
How do I know if my policy is ACV or RCV?
- Check the declarations page or “valuation” section to find out the policy. You will find “actual cash value” or “replacement cost.”
Can I start repairs before the adjuster visits?
- Yes, you can start repairs before the adjuster visits. However, repairing beforehand weakens your claim.
Can I appeal a denial more than once?
- Yes, you can appeal a denial multiple times if you find new evidence.
What’s the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster?
- Public adjusters work for you, whereas insurance adjusters work for the insurance company to assess your claims.
Will the insurance company build a new roof for me or repair the damage?
- It depends on the policy. If the policy mentions that it will build a new roof for you, it will do so.
