Any recourse if my ins company tells me my home isnt covered for roof damage caused by heavy rain?

Question

It's been raining a ton in my area and my roof has leaked BAD in many areas of my house. Some electrical circuits even went out. There is major damage inside one room due to the heavy rains. My insurance company has stated my policy doesnt covere regular rain damage. Anything I can do to persuade them to change their mind?

Answer 1

The rain did not cause the leak, the bad roof did. The only roof damage they would cover is if the shingles got blown off. They should cover inside damage though. All depends on what the policy states. None that I am aware of cover maintenance items such as patching.

Answer 2

Hi there,

I feel for you.   If there was recourse.... I sure would have been first in line.  

Same thing happened to me last year.   We had several days of bad rain and my roof started leaking into the house.   I have a huge 18 foot ceiling and I knew that it was going to cost a fortune to get it repaired and repainted.   My roof was less than 8 years old and the shingles had been loosened in a few of the areas - where the leaks were happening -  so I thought the inside damage should be covered.  

I called the insurance company and they sent someone out to make a claim.  He looked at the roof and saw the loosened shingles and make his report.   A few days later,  the insurance company said that since the shingles had not been RIPPED completely off by the wind that the damage was not covered.   I had a conniption fit!!!   I called many times to complain just to have my words fall on deaf ears.    

I don't know what the heck people spend $$$$ of dollars on insurance for if when you need it,  your property is not covered.   I believe it is a scam but there is nothing we can do.  The policy says water damage due to wind tearing off the shingles.    Here is some hind sight...  next time you get a wind storm... get on the roof and tear off your own shingles.  

Please.... don't get me started  :(

Answer 3

You should know that regardless of what your insurance company's advertising might say, they are not on your side.  Many insurance companies deny claims on the first time around as a matter of course.  The more persistent you are the better your chances of succeeding.

If there was wind or hail w/ the rain that damaged your shingles allowing the water to get in you should have coverage.

Answer 4

Doubt it.  The rain didn't cause any roof damage, it simply made it clear that your roof was already damaged, or simply not put on right.  However, the damage to the rest of your house (not the roof itself) may well be covered -- get a copy of the homeowner's policy, and read it.  It may not be easy going -- lots of legalese, but with that in hand, you can try to build an argument.

Answer 5

its normal ..they cover you for storm damage ..every thing else will be routine maintenance  

Answer 6

Yes.  You can hire a Public Adjuster.  This adjuster can secure payment if there is a loop hole in your contract that the inusrance company may forget to tell you.  

In my state Florida - the Public Adjuster's fee gets attached to the claim.

It is worth a try.  If you do not like the first one you contact, try at least 3-4.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

If the policy that you agreed upon and pay for, says it's not covered, it's not covered.