You heard the storm roll through and cringed while you heard the pings and plinks of hail hitting your roof, windows, and gutters. Now that the storm has passed, you’re left wondering how you’ll pay for the damage because your insurance company just denied your claim.
Unfortunately, hail damage claims are denied more frequently than you’d expect. Whether it happens due to fine print in your policy or a questionable inspection, homeowners across the nation find themselves scrambling to come up with money for needed repairs when their homeowners’ insurance carrier denies their claim for damages.
At Wallace Law, we help homeowners get the compensation they need to make the needed repairs to their homes. If you’ve been denied a claim, we can help. We’ll tell you why claims are sometimes denied and what to do if you find yourself in receipt of a denial letter.
Why Hail Damage Claims Get Denied
Hail damage can be expensive to fix. One hailstorm can create thousands of insurance claims on a single insurer, so it’s no surprise that they try to minimize payouts for hail damage when they can. Hail damage claims can be denied for legitimate reasons, but sometimes the denials are due to bad faith practices. Some reasons for denial include:
- The damage is cosmetic. If your policy only covers functional repairs, then a few hail dents on your roof will likely be classified as cosmetic and denied by your carrier.
- You filed your claim too late. Your policy has a time frame for claims. If you’ve tried to file your claim outside of that time frame, the claim can be denied.
- The insurer cites the damage as wear and tear. Most policies do not cover wear and tear to your home. If your insurer inspects your property and says the damage is due to normal wear and tear, your claim could be denied.
- The inspection wasn’t thorough. After a storm, inspectors may be doubling down to get as many inspections done per day as possible. This could lead to shoddy inspections and ultimately, a denial of your claim.
- Your policy doesn’t cover hail damage. If your policy doesn’t cover hail damage, or if the language of your policy is ambiguous, there could be a discrepancy as to the amount of coverage you have and whether your claim will be covered.
Even if your insurer denies your claim, it’s worth appealing. A qualified insurance dispute attorney can help and fight for the compensation you need to fix your home.
Signs Your Insurer Is Acting in Bad Faith on a Hail Claim
Insurance companies are legally required to act swiftly and fairly when reviewing and deciding on a claim by their insureds. Unfortunately, not all carriers act in good faith all the time. Your insurance carrier might be acting in bad faith if it:
- Denies your claim without any reason
- Refuses to communicate with you
- Gives you vague explanations or avoids your questions
- Offers you a low-ball settlement
- Denies your claim without an explanation
- Misrepresents the policy terms or coverage
Thankfully, there are legal protections against insurance companies that act in bad faith. Hiring an experienced insurance defense lawyer can help you navigate a denial and file an appeal.
What to Do if Your Hail Damage Claim Was Denied
When and if you receive a denial letter, don’t panic. This isn’t the end of your claim. In fact, it may only be the beginning. Here are the steps to take to begin the appeal process.
- Request a detailed explanation of the denial in writing. This will help you understand why your claim was denied.
- Make sure you understand your policy. Review your policy and make sure you have a grasp on what your policy covers and does not cover.
- Talk to your neighbors. The hailstorm that damaged your home likely damaged the homes of your neighbors. Find out what types of issues they are having with their insurers.
- Keep a detailed log of communication and evidence. Create a file that includes details of all correspondence, phone calls, pictures, and inspections. If your claim eventually goes to court, you may need this information for your case.
- Hire an attorney. Hiring an attorney can be a lifesaver when you need to fight a denial. An attorney can help gather documents and evidence, file an appeal, and handle communication on your behalf.
Many homeowners believe that once their claim is denied, that’s the end of the story. This is not true. An insurance denial simply means you may need to provide more evidence and build a stronger case for your claim.
How to Request a Reinspection or Second Opinion After Hail Damage
One of the most important things you can do after you receive a denial is to request a reinspection or a second opinion. As a homeowner, you have a right to request another adjuster to come and inspect your damage and render a second opinion. Tips to make your reinspection successful include:
- Hiring an independent roofer or a public adjuster before your insurer reinspects your property. Having a third party perform an inspection can help you get a better idea of your damage.
- Make sure you are present during the inspection. Being present can help make sure the inspection is thorough, and it also allows you to take notes and ask questions.
- Provide evidence to support your case. Weather reports, photographs, and repair-cost estimates can all boost your case and help support your need for a repair.
It may be a good idea to get an estimate from a roofing contractor to fully understand the extent of the damage and how much it will cost to repair. The more documentation you can provide your insurer, the better your chances of approval.
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Tips for Documenting Hail Damage After a Storm
Proper documentation is important for any insurance claim. After a hailstorm, you’ll want to start collecting evidence immediately to provide to your insurance company. If you haven’t already done so, begin collecting the following:
- Photographs of your property. Your property needs a photo shoot that includes pictures of gutters, the roof, windows, and even your vehicles. Any damage is worth noting.
- Photographs of the hailstones. If you can safely take a picture of the hailstones that damaged your property, do so. Being able to show the size of hail can help your insurer understand how much damage it could do. You can place a ruler next to the hail for scale.
- Printouts or screenshots of local weather reports from the date of the storm.
- Detailed repair estimates. Make sure your estimate is from a licensed contractor and includes a detailed description of the damage.
This information supports your current claim and is important to have if you need to appeal later.
Can You Fight the Insurance Company on a Denied Hail Claim?
Yes. You can fight your insurance company for a denied hail insurance claim. In many cases, fighting a denial is the best way to get your claim approved. Insurance companies are hoping that you will simply give up when they deny your claim. With the right approach, you may be able to reverse the denial and secure a fair settlement.
Start by filing an internal appeal with your insurer and requesting a reinspection, as outlined above. It may be wise to hire a public adjuster to give you an unbiased opinion about the damage to your property. You can also contact your state’s insurance department and report suspected bad faith practices by your insurer. Finally, consider hiring an attorney to give you the legal muscle you need to fight big insurance companies and their legal teams.
When to Bring in an Attorney on a Denied Hail Claim
If you feel as though you’re getting the runaround with your insurer, it may be time to hire a lawyer. If your insurer is stalling, avoiding communication with you, or has denied your claim without an explanation, hiring an attorney can help get your claim back on track and get the attention it deserves. Homeowners often lose money or experience financial hardship due to their insurer denying their claim for hail damage or taking too long to review the claim. These are signs it’s time to hire an attorney to represent you.
Hiring an attorney can take the burden of the claims process off your shoulders. Your attorney can ensure your claim and/or appeal are filed timely and appropriately, and filed with all necessary evidence to support it. A qualified attorney can help build a strong case for your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with your insurer. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Talk to an Experienced Insurance Claims Lawyer Today
Hail damage can wreck more than just your roof. If your claim is denied, it can wreck your entire year. Don’t let a denied hail claim leave you feeling like you don’t have any options. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. At Wallace Law, we’ve helped countless homeowners challenge unfair claim denials and recover the money they are owed.
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