Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law helps homeowners in Tulsa when they face denied or undervalued claims with their homeowners insurance. It’s a very frustrating situation, especially when a storm or some other event damages your roof. The entire reason you have homeowners insurance in the first place is for situations just like this, so when your insurance provider denies your claim or lowballs you, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
Living in Tulsa means that you’ll sometimes have to deal with damage to your home–especially your roof. While you might have coverage, even your own insurance company could find ways to either undervalue or outright deny your roof damage claim. That’s when you could use the help of our experienced legal team. Here’s what we can do:- Review your claim – We’ll check your policy and claim to find out why your payout was low or denied.
- Challenge the decision – If your claim was unfairly reduced or denied, we’ll gather evidence and work to prove the full extent of the damage.
- Negotiate for a higher payout – Insurance companies try to pay less than you deserve. We’ll fight to get a fair settlement.
- Provide legal support – If negotiations fail, we’ll guide you on your options, including taking legal action if needed.
Why Would My Roof Damage Claim Be Denied or Undervalued?
The starting point of any homeowners insurance claim is damage. When this happens because of a storm, your policy likely covers repair/replacement costs (up to a point.) But in real terms, this means going to your insurance company, presenting what happened, and having them investigate and make you an offer. It’s here that you’ll find your claim either being undervalued or outright denied, usually for the following reasons:- Lack of sufficient proof – If you don’t provide enough evidence (like photos, repair estimates, or receipts), your claim may be reduced or denied.
- Missed deadlines – Most policies have strict deadlines for reporting damage. Filing too late could result in an automatic denial.
- Policy exclusions – Some policies don’t cover specific types of damage, such as gradual wear and tear or certain weather-related events.
- Disputes over what happened – The insurance company may argue the damage wasn’t caused by a covered event. For example, they may claim storm damage was due to poor maintenance.
- Low repair estimates – Insurance adjusters often underestimate repair costs, leading to a lower payout than what’s actually needed.
- Pre-existing damage claims – Insurers may argue that the damage existed before the incident, reducing or denying your claim.
- Not taking the right preventative steps – If you don’t take steps to prevent further damage (such as covering a leaking roof), the insurance company may use this as a reason to lower or deny your claim.
- Claim errors – Even minor mistakes on your claim, such as incorrect dates or missing information, can lead to delays or denials.
What Can I Do to Make Sure My Roof Damage Claim is Evaluated Fairly?
It’s true that your homeowners insurance company has a lot of control over the claims process, but there are certain things you can do to make sure your roof damage claim is handled properly and fairly:- Report any damage immediately – The sooner you file your claim, the better. Most policies have strict deadlines, so as soon as you notice damage to your roof, tell your insurance company.
- Document everything – Take clear photos and videos of the damage, keep repair estimates, and save all communication with contractors.
- Know your policy – Understanding what your policy covers–and what it doesn’t–helps prevent surprises during the claims process.
- Be accurate – Double-check all details in your claim to avoid errors that could lead to delays or denials.
- Take preventive action – If possible, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (like covering a hole in your roof).
- Keep records of all communications – Save emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with your insurance company to create a paper trail.
What Options Do I Have to Fight an Unfair Claim Decision?
Again, you have options when your homeowners insurance treats you unfairly with your roof damage claim. At that point, it’s all about negotiation and evidence. So, when you go back to your company and challenge their decision, here’s what you’re going to need to do:- Gather more evidence – Get additional repair estimates, take more photos, or seek expert opinions to strengthen your case.
- Submit a formal appeal – Write an appeal explaining why their decision was incorrect, and include supporting documents.
- Negotiate for more – Sometimes, speaking directly with an adjuster or higher-up can lead to a better settlement. Be prepared with strong evidence.
- Repair/replacement costs – Your insurance should cover repairs or even a full replacement. If your home is a total loss, your policy may also help cover the cost of finding a new place to live.
- Lost belongings – If roof damage leads to leaks or structural issues that ruin your personal items, your insurance may help replace damaged furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – If your home becomes unlivable due to roof damage, your policy can cover temporary living costs, such as hotel stays, meals, and other necessary expenses until repairs are completed.
- Code upgrades – If rebuilding your home requires meeting new building codes, your insurance may cover the extra costs to bring your home up to current safety standards.
