Insurance Denied Your Roof Claim? Here's What to Do Next (2025)
Shocking Industry Truth
You filed a roof damage claim expecting your insurance to cover it—and then the denial letter arrived. It's frustrating, confusing, and feels unfair. But here's what many homeowners don't realize: a denied claim is not the final answer.
Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, and many of those denials can be successfully appealed. We've helped hundreds of Myrtle Beach homeowners overturn denied claims and receive the coverage they deserved—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars they were initially told they couldn't have.
This guide will walk you through why claims get denied, what you can do about it, how to document damage properly, and when to bring in professional help. Don't accept "no" until you've exhausted your options.
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Why Insurance Companies Deny Roof Claims
Understanding WHY your claim was denied is the first step to fighting back. Here are the most common denial reasons we see in Myrtle Beach:
1. "Pre-Existing Damage" or "Wear and Tear"
What they're saying: The damage existed before the storm event, or it's just normal aging—not covered.
The reality: This is the most common denial reason and often the most challengeable. Insurance adjusters sometimes attribute storm damage to age, especially on older roofs. A second opinion from an independent inspector can often identify storm-specific damage patterns the adjuster missed.
2. "Cosmetic Damage Only"
What they're saying: Yes, there's damage, but it's only cosmetic—it doesn't affect the roof's function.
The reality: Many policies (especially newer ones) exclude "cosmetic" hail damage. However, what's called "cosmetic" often compromises waterproofing integrity. Granule loss from hail, for example, accelerates UV degradation and shortens roof life significantly.
3. "Maintenance-Related"
What they're saying: The leak or damage is due to lack of maintenance, not a covered event.
The reality: Sometimes valid, but often used as a catch-all denial. Storm damage can cause or worsen issues that appear maintenance-related. The question is whether the storm was the proximate cause.
4. "Roof Age" / Policy Exclusion
What they're saying: Your roof is too old to be covered, or your policy has depreciation limits.
The reality: Many policies switch from Replacement Cost Value (RCV) to Actual Cash Value (ACV) after 10-15 years, dramatically reducing payouts. Some newer policies exclude roofs over a certain age entirely. Check your policy language carefully.
5. "Filed Too Late"
What they're saying: You waited too long to report the damage.
The reality: Policies typically require "prompt" reporting, but the definition varies. If you had a legitimate reason for delay (didn't discover damage immediately, were dealing with emergency issues), this may be appealable.
6. "No Covered Event"
What they're saying: There wasn't a storm, hurricane, or covered peril that caused the damage.
The reality: Weather data is publicly available. If there was a documented storm event in your area, this denial can often be challenged with meteorological records.
First Step: Read the Denial Letter Carefully
The denial letter should state the specific reason(s) for denial and cite the policy language they're relying on. This tells you exactly what you need to address in your appeal. If the reason is vague, you have the right to request a detailed explanation.
How to Appeal a Denied Roof Claim
A denied claim can be appealed. Here's the process:
Step 1: Request a Re-Inspection
You have the right to ask for a second inspection, especially if you believe the adjuster missed damage or made errors. Key tips:
- Be present for the re-inspection—or have your contractor present
- Point out specific damage the first adjuster may have missed
- Provide documentation (photos, contractor assessments) showing damage
- Request a different adjuster if you believe the first one was biased or inexperienced
Step 2: Get an Independent Inspection
A qualified roofing contractor can provide a detailed inspection report that may contradict the insurance adjuster's findings. Look for:
- Contractors with insurance claim experience
- HAAG Certified Inspectors (industry-recognized certification for forensic roof inspections)
- Detailed written reports with photos documenting specific damage
- Willingness to meet with adjusters to explain findings
Step 3: Submit a Written Appeal
Your appeal letter should include:
- Policy number and claim number
- Date of loss and date of denial
- Specific reasons why the denial is incorrect
- Supporting documentation: contractor reports, photos, weather data, expert opinions
- Request for reconsideration with a specific dollar amount if applicable
Time Limits Matter
Most policies have deadlines for appeals—often 60-180 days from denial. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for insurance disputes is typically 3 years, but acting quickly strengthens your case. Don't wait.
Step 4: Escalate If Needed
If internal appeals don't work, you have additional options:
- File a complaint with SC Department of Insurance: They can investigate unfair claim handling
- Hire a public adjuster: They work for YOU (not the insurance company) and typically take 10-15% of the settlement
- Consult an insurance attorney: For larger claims or bad faith denials
- Appraisal process: Many policies include an appraisal clause for disputed claim amounts
How to Document Roof Damage for Insurance
Proper documentation can make or break your claim. Here's what insurance companies need to see:
Photo Documentation Best Practices
- Wide shots + close-ups: Show the overall roof AND detailed damage
- Include a reference object: A coin, ruler, or chalk circle for scale
- Timestamp your photos: Enable date/time stamps on your camera/phone
- Document ALL damage: Not just the obvious stuff—check soffit, fascia, gutters, vents
- Take "before" photos if you have them: Previous inspection photos prove condition pre-storm
- Shoot in good lighting: Shadows can hide or exaggerate damage
Written Documentation
- Date and time you discovered damage
- Weather event details: Date of storm, type (wind, hail, hurricane)
- Written contractor estimates with itemized damage lists
- Any temporary repairs made with receipts
- Communication log: Dates and summaries of all calls/emails with insurance
Supporting Evidence
- Weather data: National Weather Service records, NOAA storm reports
- Neighbor claims: If neighbors filed claims for the same storm, it supports your case
- News reports: Media coverage of the storm event
- Previous inspection reports: Showing roof condition before the event
We Document Everything
When WeatherShield inspects storm damage, we provide comprehensive photo documentation, written reports, and will meet with your adjuster on-site to explain our findings. This professional documentation has helped many homeowners get claims approved that were initially denied. Call (843) 877-5539.
When to Bring in Professional Help
Some situations warrant professional assistance:
Consider a Public Adjuster If:
- Your claim is large (over $10,000)
- You've been denied multiple times
- You're uncomfortable negotiating with the insurance company
- The damage is complex or hard to document
- You don't have time to manage the appeals process
Public adjusters typically charge 10-15% of your settlement, but often recover significantly more than you would on your own.
Consider an Insurance Attorney If:
- You believe the insurance company is acting in bad faith
- The claim is very large (over $25,000-$50,000)
- Your policy was wrongfully canceled
- The insurance company is significantly delaying without reason
- You've received a lowball settlement offer that's clearly inadequate
Many insurance attorneys work on contingency—they only get paid if you win.
The Cost Comparison: Maintenance vs. Neglect
Without Maintenance
- Roof lifespan: 12-15 years
- Insurance claims often denied
- Emergency repairs cost 3x more
- Property value decreases by 5-10%
- Warranty becomes void
- Total 20-year cost: $35,000+
With Regular Maintenance
- Roof lifespan: 25-30+ years
- Insurance claims approved
- Prevent costly emergencies
- Property value protected
- Full warranty coverage maintained
- Total 20-year cost: $8,000-10,000
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Every day you delay costs you money. Get your FREE professional roof inspection today and discover exactly what condition your roof is in.
Emergency? Call our 24/7 hotline: (843) 877-5539
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
David Karimi
Insurance Claims Specialist
David Karimi is WeatherShield Roofing's Insurance Claims Specialist with over 15 years of experience helping Myrtle Beach homeowners navigate roof damage claims. He has successfully helped hundreds of homeowners appeal denied claims and receive fair settlements.
The Bottom Line: Your Roof, Your Choice
Every day you wait is another day closer to that emergency call no homeowner wants to make. The statistics are clear: 80% of roofs fail prematurely, and 61% of homeowners can't afford the emergency repairs that follow.
What You Get with Weather Shield Roofing:
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Join thousands of smart Myrtle Beach homeowners who protect their investment with regular maintenance.
Emergency? Call our 24/7 hotline: (843) 877-5539