What to Do if Your Homeowner's Insurance Claim is Denied
Having your homeowner's insurance claim denied can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, a denial isn’t necessarily the end of the road! There are several steps you can take to challenge the decision and get the resolution you deserve, and as your local insurance experts, NANOROOF™ Alabama is here for you every step of the way. Here are some steps you can take to navigate the situation:
1. Review the Denial Letter
Start by carefully reading the denial letter from your insurance company. This document should explain why your claim was denied. Common reasons for denials include:
The damage isn’t covered under your policy.
You missed a filing deadline.
Insufficient documentation was provided.
Understanding the exact reason for the denial will help you decide how to proceed.
2. Compare the Denial to Your Policy
Pull out your homeowner's insurance policy and review the coverage details. Pay close attention to:
Coverage limits
Exclusions (e.g., flood, wind damage, etc)
Conditions for filing claims
Sometimes, insurers can misinterpret or overlook aspects of their own policies, so it’s worth double-checking! If you need help interpreting your policy, contact our team at NANOROOF™ Alabama - we are here for you!
3. Contact Your Insurance Company for Clarification
If the denial letter is unclear or you disagree with their reasoning, call your insurance company and ask for a detailed explanation. This is also an opportunity to:
Request any reports, photos, or documents they used to deny your claim.
Confirm if they need additional information to reconsider your claim.
Be sure to take notes during this conversation and keep a record of all communications.
4. Gather Additional Evidence
If you believe your claim was wrongly denied, bolster your case with more evidence. This might include:
Photos and videos of the damage
Receipts or invoices for damaged items
Repair estimates from licensed contractors (like NANOROOF™ Alabama)
Any correspondence with your insurance adjuster
Organize this information to make your case as clear and compelling as possible.
5. File an Appeal
Most insurance companies have an appeal process for denied claims. Submit a written appeal that:
Explains why you believe the denial was incorrect
Includes any additional evidence you’ve gathered
References specific sections of your policy that support your claim
Send your appeal via certified mail or email to ensure it’s received, and follow up to confirm its status.
6. Get a Second Opinion from a Public Adjuster
If you’re struggling to navigate the claims process, consider hiring a public adjuster. These professionals work on your behalf to:
Assess the damage
Interpret your policy
Negotiate a fair settlement with your insurer
Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of your settlement, so weigh this cost against the potential benefits.
Additional Steps to Take
If you want to take it a step further, you can still:
Explore mediation or arbitration with your insurance company to resolve disputes
File a complaint with the Alabama Department of Insurance to get your claim investigated
Consult an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes
My Claim is Still Denied - Now What?
Sometimes no matter what steps you take, the claim will still be denied. So what can you do if your property has roof damage and you don’t have the funds to replace your entire roof?
The good news - NANOROOF™ Alabama has affordable roofing options that will save your home without breaking the bank:
Roof Repairs: Whether you need to replace just a few shingles, repair flashings, or fix a leak - we can do small repairs to cover just what your roof needs.
Roof Preservation: If your roof has minor wear & tear, we can apply our advanced NANOROOF™ Sealant SPS to lock in shingle granules and create an eco-friendly hydrophobic barrier that will protect & preserve your roof and extend its lifespan by an additional 10-15 years for around a third of the cost of roof replacement!
Financed Roof Replacement: If the damage is significant enough that you’ll need a full roof replacement, NANOROOF™ Alabama offers two different financing options to help you cover the cost with rates as low as $129/month. See our financing calculator here.
Tips for Avoiding Claim Denials in the Future
Understand Your Policy: Regularly review your coverage and discuss any questions with your insurance agent.
Document Everything: Keep records of home inventory, receipts, and photos of your property.
Act Promptly: File claims as soon as possible after an incident and provide thorough documentation.
Be Proactive: Schedule routine maintenance and address small issues before they become big problems.
Wrapping Up
Dealing with a denied homeowner's insurance claim can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that you have options. By staying organized, understanding your rights, and advocating for yourself, you can improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Whether you are curious if you have a potential claim to file, have a claim denial, or even just need some help understanding your policy, at NANOROOF™ Alabama, we are your local insurance experts and are happy to help with whatever issue you may be facing!