Can I appeal a denied roof insurance claim?

Yes. Request the denial and adjuster's report in writing, ask for a re-inspection, and supply new documentation such as dated photos, the storm report for your date of loss and a written contractor scope.

Why was my roof claim denied?

Common reasons are a missed inspection window, damage attributed to wear rather than the storm, damage below the deductible, or an inspection that didn't find what was there.

What is the appraisal clause?

Most homeowners policies include an appraisal clause for disagreements over the amount of loss, where each side selects an appraiser and an umpire settles differences.

Can a roofer appeal my claim for me?

No. A roofer can inspect, document and meet your adjuster, but a licensed public adjuster or attorney represents policyholders in disputes.

Who do I complain to if my insurer won't respond?

Your state insurance department: Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance, Kansas Insurance Department, Illinois Department of Insurance, Indiana Department of Insurance or Kentucky Department of Insurance.

Roof Claim Denied? How to Appeal a Roof Insurance Claim

Roof Claim Denied? How to Appeal It

A denied or underpaid roof claim is not always the end. Get the denial and the adjuster's report in writing, request a re-inspection, and back it with dated photos, the storm report for your date of loss and a written contractor scope. If it still stalls, your policy's appraisal clause and your state insurance department are next. John Beal Roofing inspects, documents and meets your adjuster on the roof. Call 1-800-564-6232.

Quick answer: To appeal a denied roof insurance claim: (1) get the denial letter, full scope and adjuster's report in writing; (2) request a re-inspection; (3) supply new documentation — dated photos, the storm report for your date of loss and a written contractor scope; (4) ask for a different adjuster or an engineer if the dispute is technical; (5) if it still stalls, use your policy's appraisal clause or file a complaint with your state insurance department. Don't let the deadline pass.

Why roof claims get denied

Missed inspection window — the claim was filed too long after the storm.
"Wear and tear" — the carrier attributed the damage to age instead of the storm.
Below the deductible — the scope came in under your deductible.
An inspection that missed it — hail bruising and wind-lifted shingles are easy to miss from the ground or in a quick walk.

How to appeal a roof claim, step by step

Get everything in writing. Ask for the denial letter, the full scope and the adjuster's report, so you know exactly what was and wasn't found.
Request a re-inspection. Carriers grant these routinely when new documentation exists.
Bring new documentation. Dated photographs slope by slope, the storm report for your date of loss, and a written, itemized contractor scope of what the roof actually needs.
Ask for a different adjuster or an engineer if the dispute is technical (for example, hail versus manufacturing or wear).
Use the appraisal clause. Most policies include one for disagreements over the amount of loss.
Contact your state insurance department if the carrier stalls: the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance, Kansas Insurance Department, Illinois Department of Insurance, Indiana Department of Insurance or Kentucky Department of Insurance.
Get representation if you need it. A licensed public adjuster or an attorney represents policyholders in disputes — that is their role, not a roofer's.

Don't let the deadline pass

Most policies require prompt notice, and many carriers apply a one- or two-year window from the date of loss for hail and wind. If you think a storm damaged your roof, get it inspected now, even if you're still deciding about a claim.

What John Beal Roofing does — and doesn't do

We are your roofing contractor, not your insurance adjuster. We don't adjust, negotiate or settle your claim, and any contractor who says they will "handle your claim for you" is describing something they aren't licensed to do in most states. What we do on every claim: inspect and photograph the damage, give you a written itemized scope, meet your adjuster on the roof so nothing gets missed, and supply documentation and manufacturer requirements for anything the carrier's scope leaves out. You stay the policyholder, and every decision stays yours.

Red flags after a denial

Be wary of anyone who offers to "waive" or "cover" your deductible, pressures you to sign before an inspection, or shows up out of state right after a storm. Paying your deductible is required by your policy.

More help: How a roof insurance claim works · Roof claim questions answered · How to spot and document storm damage

Get a free roof inspection near you

St. Louis — 314-429-6000
Kansas City, MO — (816) 572-9500 · Kansas City, KS — 913-281-6000
Metro East & Southern Illinois — 618-549-0800
Springfield, MO — 417-429-1927
Columbia, Jefferson City & Lake of the Ozarks — 573-343-8993
Indianapolis — 317-726-6000
Chicagoland / DuPage — 331-204-4910
Toll-free, 24/7 — 1-800-JOHN-BEAL (1-800-564-6232)

Frequently asked questions

Can I appeal a denied roof insurance claim?: Yes. Request the denial and adjuster's report in writing, ask for a re-inspection, and supply new documentation such as dated photos, the storm report for your date of loss and a written contractor scope.
Why was my roof claim denied?: Common reasons are a missed inspection window, damage attributed to wear rather than the storm, damage below the deductible, or an inspection that didn't find what was there.
What is the appraisal clause?: Most homeowners policies include an appraisal clause for disagreements over the amount of loss, where each side selects an appraiser and an umpire settles differences.
Can a roofer appeal my claim for me?: No. A roofer can inspect, document and meet your adjuster, but a licensed public adjuster or attorney represents policyholders in disputes.
How long do I have to file or appeal a roof claim?: It depends on your policy. Most require prompt notice, and many carriers apply a one- or two-year window from the date of loss for hail and wind.
Who do I complain to if my insurer won't respond?: Your state insurance department: Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance, Kansas Insurance Department, Illinois Department of Insurance, Indiana Department of Insurance or Kentucky Department of Insurance.