It’s a scenario that’s all too common. Your neighbor’s house, just a stone’s throw away, is getting a brand-new roof after a recent storm. Yet, when you contact your insurance company, they inform you that your roof doesn’t have hail damage.
Did the insurance adjuster miss something or did the big hail simply miss your house?
Not knowing if your roof really has hail damage can be frustrating. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this situation occurs, what you can do if you suspect your roof has storm damage, and how your trusted roofing company in Oklahoma City can help.
Told Your Roof Doesn’t Have Hail Damage? This Might Be Why.
The experience level of the person inspecting your roof, your insurance policy, and the storm itself are all factors to consider when told your roof doesn’t have hail damage. Read on to learn about each scenario and find out what you can do!
Individual Roof Assessment
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that insurance companies assess each roof differently. Some walk the entire roof while others stand on a ladder at the end of the roof. The level of experience of your insurance adjuster and how thoroughly they complete the inspection can impact whether or not hail damage is found.
Policy Coverages Vary
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to have a minimum amount of damage or threshold to justify a full roof replacement. That means if only a small section or side of your roof has damage, it may not be enough to justify filing a claim. Small repairs may be all that is needed.
Hail Damage Is Unpredictable
Hailstorms can vary in intensity and the direction from which they hit. This means that your neighbor’s home, even if it’s just next door, could have been hit harder by the hailstorm, resulting in more significant damage.
When your neighbor’s insurance adjuster inspected their roof, they may have found clear evidence of hail damage that met the criteria for a claim. Conversely, when your roof was inspected, the damage may not have met the threshold required by your insurance policy.
What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage
If your gutters and car sustained significant hail damage, chances are your roof might have too. If you suspect your roof has hail damage but your insurance company disagrees, there are steps you can take.
Get a Second Opinion
Fresh hail damage can be difficult to spot, especially on asphalt shingles. Inexperienced adjusters can miss early signs or may attribute damage to another cause – like a manufacturer’s defect.
If you’ve been told your roof doesn’t have hail damage, contact a reputable roofing contractor for a second opinion. Our experienced professionals can conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to assess for hail damage. We can provide you with a detailed report and documentation that you can present to your insurance company.
Review Your Policy
Review your insurance policy to understand the specific criteria for hail damage claims. It’s possible that your policy has different requirements or thresholds than your neighbor’s. You may still be eligible for repair coverage just not a full roof replacement.
Communicate Clearly
Open communication with your insurance company is essential. Share the documentation and assessment from your roofing contractor with your insurance adjuster. Sometimes, additional evidence can sway their decision.
Consider an Appeal
If your initial claim is denied, you can consider appealing the decision with your insurance company. Again, having a thorough assessment from a professional roofing contractor can be invaluable during this process.
Key Takeaways When Told Your Roof Doesn’t Have Hail Damage
The situation where your neighbor gets a new roof while you’re told there’s no hail damage can be frustrating, but it’s essential to remember that each roof is assessed individually. Working with a storm damage expert can help. We’ll help you assess the situation, provide documentation, and work with your insurance company to ensure that your home is protected.
Need help after a recent storm? Call 405-895-9972 or use our online scheduling link to request a free roof and home inspection today!
