Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law help Tulsa homeowners when their insurance company won’t evaluate their roof damage claim fairly. This becomes even more frustrating in the face of storm damage–especially hail. This is among the most common reasons for roof damage in Tulsa, yet many homeowners face the prospect of a slow claims process. Our team can guide and support you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Even if you have an insurance policy that covers hail damage to your home or roof, you still might find yourself in a situation where your claim is undervalued–or outright denied. That’s the main reason why you’d need to get a lawyer, but it’s entirely up to you. Still, when you need help getting your roof fixed or replaced, our team can:
- Review your policy to make sure you have coverage and your insurance company isn’t using unfair tactics or exclusions.
- Gather evidence like photos, repair estimates, and expert opinions to prove your damage.
- Work with the insurance company to get a fair settlement instead of a low offer.
- Take legal action to get you the financial support you’re owed.
Obviously, every situation is different. This means that not every claim involving hail damage to a roof will require legal help. That said, if you’re in this situation, you’re likely searching for answers and help. That’s where our team can step in and guide you through the process.
What’s the Claims Process After Hail Damages Your Roof?
When hail damages your roof, it’s probably due to a storm or some other weather event that you have no control over. And even if you have an insurance policy, you still have to actually file a claim to have a chance at financial help from your provider. Every company has their own way of doing things, but generally, the claims process is going to involve the following steps:
- Filing the claim – As soon as the hail damage happens, you’ll need to file your claim. You can do this online, by phone, or through your provider’s app. Be sure to give details about what happened and share any photos or documents. It’s usually pretty easy to do.
- Investigation – After you file, an adjuster will be assigned to check out the damage. They’ll take photos and gather information to figure out how much your claim is worth.
- Evaluation – The insurance company will look at the adjuster’s report, your policy, and other details to decide how much they’ll pay.
- Decision – They’ll either approve your claim and send you a settlement or deny it. If approved, you’ll get your payout, either by check or direct deposit.
If your claim gets denied or you get a low settlement, you can appeal. There’s a number of ways the process can go once you decide to appeal, so it’s important to know what to look for and how you can respond.
How Might Your Hail Damage Claim Be Undervalued or Denied?
Living in Tulsa unfortunately means dealing with hail damage from storms. That’s why you would need an insurance policy in the first place, but the problem is that your insurance company controls the whole process. They get to decide what your claim is worth–or if you even have a viable claim. So generally, here’s how the company might undervalue or deny your hail damage claim:
- Wear and tear – Companies can argue that your roof damage is simply from aging or lack of maintenance, not from a covered event like a hailstorm. If they claim it’s wear and tear, they won’t cover the repairs or replacement.
- Pre-existing damage – They might say that your roof was already damaged before the hailstorm. Without strong evidence showing that the damage is from the recent storm, your claim could be denied.
- Poor installation or repairs – If the insurance company believes your roof wasn’t properly installed or repaired, they may refuse to cover the damage, blaming it on faulty workmanship instead of the hailstorm.
By arguing these points, your insurance company can effectively steer the claims process to the outcome they want. But what’s worse, even if they approve your claim, they still have ways that they can undervalue it. Most of the time, they do this by:
- Pushing you to use cheaper contractors who offer lower estimates that don’t fully fix the roof.
- Pressuring you into accepting a low settlement just to avoid more hassle.
- Calling the damage cosmetic rather than structural, and offering little or no payment.
The good news is that you don’t have to just accept what your insurance company offers you. You can challenge their decision.
How Can I Challenge My Insurance Company’s Decision on Hail Damage?
Dealing with a denied or undervalued damage after a hailstorm can be frustrating, especially when you’re already facing the cost of repairs to your roof. On top of everything else you’re dealing with, it can seem overwhelming. However, you do have options for challenging your insurance company’s decision:
- Gather more evidence – If your insurer says you didn’t provide enough proof, collect more photos, repair estimates from contractors, and even expert opinions from roofing professionals or independent adjusters. The more evidence you have, the harder it will be for them to deny your claim.
- Write a formal appeal – You can submit a written appeal explaining why their decision is wrong. Be sure to include all supporting documents and reference specific parts of your policy that show your damage should be covered.
- Negotiate with them directly – Sometimes talking with a higher-up at the insurance company can help. Be prepared to present your evidence and make a strong case for why you deserve a fair payout.
The way you respond to a denied or undervalued claim can make a big difference. It starts by gathering the right information, then putting it all together for a strong argument.
How Can I Prevent My Hail Damage Claim from Being Denied or Undervalued?
Given all the ways that your insurance company can undervalue or even deny your claim for hail damage, it might seem like you’re totally powerless. But that’s actually not the case. There are certain steps you can take that will give you a solid foundation for negotiating with them:
- Report the damage immediately – File a claim as soon as you notice hail damage. Most insurance policies have strict deadlines, and reporting it promptly strengthens your case.
- Document the damage – Take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. Keep records of repair estimates, receipts, and all communication with contractors. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
- Understand your policy – Knowing what your insurance covers (and what it doesn’t) can prevent costly mistakes. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our legal team can review your policy with you.
- Be accurate and honest – Double-check all details when filing your claim, including dates and descriptions. Even small errors can cause delays or lead to a reduced payout.
- Take steps to prevent further damage – Protect your home from worsening damage by covering leaks with a tarp or making temporary repairs. Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional losses.
- Keep detailed records of interactions with the company – Log all calls, emails, and letters with your insurance company. A clear paper trail can be crucial if you need to challenge their decision.
These steps can help strengthen your hail damage claim, but ultimately, insurance companies have the final say. If they’re still denying or undervaluing your claim, you don’t have to fight them alone.
Contact Ylla Gosney For a Denied or Undervalued Hail Damage Claim in Tulsa
If your insurance company refuses to cover the full cost of your hail damage repairs to your roof or home, Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law is here to help. You pay for coverage, and you deserve the protection your policy promises. Contact us today for a free consultation–we’ll review your case and fight to get you the payout you need to move forward.
