If you come home to find that your roof has been destroyed or damaged, you will probably feel overwhelmed. Yes, homeowners know that this can happen. However, you would be surprised at how many people call our property damage attorneys in Miami for help with roof damage claims.
Have You Looked at Your Policy to See When Roof Damage Is Covered?
Before you get too upset, take out a copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy. This is where you’ll find information regarding coverage of roof damage. If your policy clearly says it is covered, there’s a chance your claim may be paid.
We recommend that you talk to an experienced property damage attorney in Miami before you file any paperwork. If the insurance adjuster thinks you’re handling this on your own, they may try to take advantage of you.
They won’t be able to do this once they learn you’ve retained a skilled property damage attorney in Miami.
Every Homeowner’s Policy is Different
One thing our property damage attorneys in Miami have learned is that every homeowner’s policy is different. When you purchase your home, you also selected the type of coverage you wanted on your property.
Some people choose to have a lower premium in exchange for paying a higher deductible. Other homeowners choose a bare-bones policy, not thinking they will ever need to file a claim.
Your Miami Property Damage Lawyer Needs to Know Your Policy Limits and Exclusions
When you first meet with your property damage attorney in Miami, make sure you give them a copy of your policy. If you have any supplemental policies, make sure they have a copy of them as well.
What your attorney will do is compare your policy to the type of damage that you’ve suffered. Depending on the reason your roof is now damaged, your claim will either be approved or denied.
If your claim is denied, then your property damage attorney in Miami will help you file an appeal. If, on the other hand, your claim is paid, you should still have your attorney look to make sure you were paid the full amount you are entitled to.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Roof Damage in Miami?
Some of the more common causes of roof damage in Miami are weather-related. Miami suffers more tropical storms and hurricanes than most places in the country. There’s a good chance that this is what led to the damage to your roof.
For example, you may have sustained damage to your roof due to any of the following.
- Hurricane
- Tropical storm
- Hailstorm
- Thunderstorm
- Strong winds
- Tornado
When you file your claim with the insurance company, one of the first things they’ll do is look at the recent weather reports in your area. If they can confirm that your town experienced the weather event, they may be more willing to pay your claim.
Our Property Damage Attorneys in Miami Have Seen All Types of Roof Damage
Over the years, our Miami property damage lawyers have seen all kinds of things damage a roof. For example, you could suffer roof damage due to a drone. There’s even a chance that your roof can be damaged during a break-in or robbery.
The critical thing to do is to show your property damage attorney in Miami pictures of the damage. You should also show them any available videos showing the seriousness of the weather event.
Once they have a chance to review this information, they will have a much better idea of whether your claim should have been paid.
There is a Big Difference Between Needing Your Roof Repaired and Needing it Replaced
When you first speak with your property damage attorney in Miami, they will ask you whether you suffered damage to your roof or if your roof has been destroyed. Depending on the size of your house and the materials used, you may be able to repair your roof for a few thousand dollars.
If, on the other hand, your roof needs to be completely replaced, it will cost much more than that. It is these larger claims that insurance companies tend to deny. Or they may approve it, but only for a partial amount.
Since a roof replacement is one of the most expensive repairs to your home, there is a greater risk that your claim will be denied.
It Can Cost Tens of Thousands of Dollars to Replace Your Roof
Given the costs associated with installing a new roof, it’s fair to presume that it will cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace your roof. The insurance adjuster is not going to want to pay this large of a claim.
What they may do is offer to repair your roof instead. Or, if they do agree to pay to have it replaced, they may offer an amount that is too low. Their hope is that you’ll just walk away without putting up a fight.
When they see that you’ve hired a property damage attorney in Miami, their attitude may change.
Your Miami Property Damage Attorney Can Help You File an Appeal
One of the first things your property damage attorney in Miami will do is file an appeal. They will give the insurance company a chance to review your claim for a second time.
One of the problems with filing an appeal is that the same people who denied your claim are reviewing it the second time around. The odds of them changing their minds are low.
If this is the case, your attorney can threaten them with either a formal complaint or legal action.
Call Us for Help With Your Roof Damage Insurance Claim!
It can be frustrating to learn that your insurance claim has been denied. You paid your premiums on time for years. It just doesn’t seem right that the insurance company can do this. Our property damage attorneys in Miami have helped many clients in your position.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are not in the business of paying claims. If they think they can deny a claim, or deny it in part, they will. That’s when you need to talk to a property damage attorney in Miami.
The insurance company may think they can deny your claim and that will be the end of it. Your attorney will have something to say about that.
Call today and schedule your free, initial consultation.
